Children’s Home Network is dedicated to improving lives and changing life stories. We unlock the potential of at-risk children and families by providing compassionate and effective services that create opportunities for success.
At the Children's Home Network, we unlock the potential of at-risk children and families by providing compassionate and effective services that create opportunities for success.
A Grandmother's Love
Thirteen-year-old Jada had always dreamed of a life where she felt safe, loved, and supported. But those dreams seemed far out of reach. Jada’s mother passed away when she was a baby, and her father, uninterested in raising her, often left her to fend for herself. His neglect meant going without proper meals, clean clothes, or even a caring word. Over time, her teachers and neighbors noticed the signs—her cautious demeanor, extreme independence, and lack of self-care. Shortly after, she was removed from her father’s care by social services. Scared and unsure of what would happen next, Jada learned she might be placed into foster care. That’s when Yvonne, her grandmother, stepped forward. Although it had been years since they had seen each other—since Jada’s mother passed—Yvonne was determined to help. “I won’t let her be taken away,” Yvonne insisted. “She needs her family. She needs me.” Yvonne loved Jada deeply, but becoming her full-time caregiver was overwhelming. She worried about how they would reconnect after so much time apart and how to meet Jada’s needs, from school supplies to emotional support. Questions loomed in her mind: How do I get legal custody? What resources are available to help us? One day, Yvonne came across a brochure for CHN's Kinship Program at the Children’s Home Network. Desperate for guidance, she reached out—and everything began to change. The Kinship team at CHN quickly stepped in, connecting Yvonne with vital resources. They guided her through the legal process of formalizing her guardianship of Jada, ensuring they both had the stability they needed.. Through CHN’s network, Yvonne accessed financial assistance that ensured Jada had food on the table, new clothes for school, and counseling services to help her heal from trauma and abandonment issues. Perhaps most importantly, CHN provided Yvonne with emotional support. “You’re not alone,” a program coordinator assured her during a home visit. Those words became a lifeline. With the stability her grandmother worked tirelessly to provide, Jada began to flourish. She joined the school’s book club, pursuing a hobby she had always been drawn to. Therapy sessions, arranged through CHN, gave her a safe space to process her emotions. By the end of the summer, Jada’s “I can do it all by myself” mantra began to shift as she grew more open and warmer with others. In just six months, her grades improved, and for the first time in years, Jada allowed herself to dream. She aspires to become a writer, often telling her grandmother, “I want to tell stories that show kids there’s always hope.” For Yvonne, the journey has been far from easy, but the support from CHN’s Kinship Program gave her the tools to create a loving, secure home for Jada. Together, they’ve shown that family doesn’t have to be perfect to be life-changing. Though the road ahead is still challenging, today, Jada is thriving, and they are navigating their newfound family dynamic. Yvonne proudly says, “I didn’t just save her life—she saved mine, too.” These success stories are made possible thanks to supporters like you. Together, we can continue improving lives and changing life stories.
When Julia arrived at the Children’s Home Network, she had visible and emotional injuries. However, it was her unseen scars that were the most severe. The profound trauma Julia endured as a victim has affected her in every life aspect. She showed little interest in taking care of herself and was fearful and untrusting. Julia isolated herself socially and rarely interacted with others. Julia was truly suffering from the horror she experienced. With the support of trained and trauma sensitive child caregivers, mental health and behavior specialists, our staff nurse and psychiatrist, she is now starting to show signs ofhealing. These life improving services are thanks to our resolute and generous donors like you.
