I’m one of the kids who come to visit my mom at the Ark. After DFCS took me and my brother away from my mom and her boyfriend, we were scared. We thought we did something wrong. But, we didn’t. My mom is a drug addict and she just couldn’t take care of me and my brother. She didn’t protect us from the other drug addicts who came to our house looking for drugs. It was horrible until DFCS came and picked us up.
We did not see mom for a long time because it was not safe for us to be with her, unless someone else was there. We went to live with a very nice lady and her family. Soon, we got to see our mom at the Ark. Those “coaches” at the Ark are so nice to us. They make sure we are treated nice by my mom. They don’t make promises to us unless they can keep them.
We will soon be placed with our aunt because she and her husband can take good care of us. I’m really happy that we came to the Ark for help. They helped us to figure out what is happening to us and why mom can’t get us back. I’m glad we’re not going back to live with mom. I know I will be safe at my aunt’s house.
Oh, and did I say – going to the Ark is really fun!
-–A child in DFCS care
In 2007, domestic violence drove me out of my relationship and left me as a single mom of two special needs children. I struggle with judgmental comments from others and myself, and know I have trust issues. Every day brings new challenges for me and my kids. We have our good days and bad days, we hug, we laugh, we share our tears. For years, I felt like we would always be alone and misunderstood. When I signed up for the Parenting Class at the Ark, I knew I needed help.
When I walked into the first class, I had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders—it turned out to be the greatest 6 weeks! We listened to each other’s opinions, gave each other advice. I was not alone. I learned there are others who have been in the same shoes, walking the same mile as I have. Parenting class taught me so many new ideas about better ways to communicate, discipline, and face my fears.
Even though the class is over, I’ve been blessed to be able to continue to fall back on the book, review my notes, and redo my homework. The class helped me help my children, others, and myself. At the end of the class, I got more than just the certificate—I got my self-confidence back. All glory to God! With God, all things are possible. I am very thankful I signed up for parenting class.
-Parent
