CSX Provides Needed Support to Kids of Abuse

Thank you CSX, for your generous support of Kids House. I wanted to share some updates about our Center and information about the impact CSX's donation is having on our programs.

In addition to resources, support and education, Kids House provides a child friendly facility for information gathering and for treatment of victims of abuse.

First, however, I'd like to share a story:

Anna – 6 years old
Anna is one of four children living with her mother. She arrives at Kids House trembling and frightened. Little dirty feet are crammed into shoes that are too small. She has a beautiful smile, but she won't talk. Her mother, age 23, is a single parent and battling poverty and homelessness. She works two jobs at fast food restaurants but is struggling to make ends meet and as a result she and her children are living in the home of friends. Anna is brought in because of bruising to her face and other parts of her body. While at Kids House, it is noted that her brother has a mouth full of rotten teeth and is in need of dental care. This is Anna's second visit to Kids House due to injuries.

Though the circumstances were difficult, the children enjoyed their visit to Kids House. They played. They snacked. They left with shoes and socks that were clean and fit, along with a few toys and books. But, we know these children will eventually be back with their mother and that the family is going to need a lot of help. The Kids House Child Advocate is prepared to assist on the long road ahead.

Anna is just one of 739 children that came through Kids House last year for allegations of abuse or neglect. However, through our Child Advocate Program, Anna received crisis-counseling and was able to begin routine therapy appointments. Her advocate helped to provide resources for her and her siblings to find adequate clothing for school and provided the needed link to dental care for her brother. Most importantly, our Child Advocate Program provided someone for her and her siblings to depend on, talk to, ask questions of and trust while they were going through an incredibly difficult situation. With CSX's $20,000 contribution to our Child Advocate Program we were able to provide crisis-intervention and advocacy services to 100 children like Anna this year.

Moreover, the $10,000 gift to support our Professional Tools Training and Education Support Program has aided in our ability to reach out to over 1,935 people in the Central Florida Community regarding child abuse and neglect. Since the beginning of our fiscal year (October 1, 2008) we have organized and provided 103.5 hours of educational and professional training to law enforcement, medical staff, schools, daycares and nursery schools, summer camps, youth academies, and other groups. Efforts have also been made to address the educational needs of parents and children through Parenting Classes, Internet Safety, and Self-Care.

In closing, I would like to share a quote from a parent of one our children: "My experience with Kids House was mind blowing. Walking in not knowing what to expect and walking out feeling like there are places like Kids House. There really aren't any words to describe what a wonderful feeling a person or child can get from Kids House. Please keep this place going. I'm sure there are many families out there looking for a place like this one."

We are grateful to CSX for their partnership in protecting our children. Their financial support is having a tremendous impact in our community and we look forward to the opportunity of working together for years to come.