Pete’s Story

When 12-year-old “Pete” last picked a fight in the schoolyard he left the other boy with a broken arm and needing stitches on his skull. Pete’s only words were: “I’m sorry I left him able to get up. It won’t happen again.”

Pete’s parents divorced when hewas 4 because his alcoholic father couldn’t keep a job. Pete lives with his mother, his 14-year-old sister, Zoë, and his 9-year-old brother, Jacob. He was supposed to stay with his father two nights a week, but Dad often missed visits without excuses.

Pete was considered a troublemaker. When drunk, Dad often disciplined him with a belt. Mom spanked out of frustration as“nothing else seems to work.” Pete was held back in first grade. His biggest challenge was recess, when sixth-graders taunted him that “dumbness must run in his family.” By mid-year in the fifth grade, he had been suspended three times for fistfights. The LFS counselor realized that Pete was acting out, as do many children of alcoholics and divorce. She helped Mom learn new, more effective parenting skills. She guided Pete in defining what was within his control and what was

not. They explored options to fighting when others tease. To the counselor, Pete confided his anger toward Mom and Dad for the divorce, and for treating each of their children differently. Today, Pete lives in a different school district. In his new school, with new communication and social skills and continued encouragement from his LFS counselor, he feels he has started over. He is working hard not to be a bully. Mom went back to court to renegotiate visitation rights; Pete now goes to see Dad on day visits only when Dad is sober. For the first time in his life Pete feels safe.

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Mary’s Story

For half her young life, 10-year old “Mary” endured sexual and physical abuse from her parents. One time, her teacher found her almost unconscious in the lavatory, revealing legs that were bruised and scarred from repeated beatings. After an investigation by county Social Services, Mary was removed from her home and placed in a foster home.

However, Mary’s emotional scars turned out to be her deepest injuries. Unable to cope with her anger, she lashed out at other children, destroyed property, and set fires, causing her to be shuttled from one foster home to another.

Her escalating physical violence resulted in her being remanded to a residential treatment center. Mary began to make progress in altering her behavior due to the intensive counseling she received at the center. Fortunately for Mary, her case was then referred to Lutheran Family Services.

After reading a local newspaper article featuring Mary and other children in need of adoptive homes, a couple contacted Lutheran Family Services and inquired about the child. Following several carefully guided meetings with the couple conducted by one of our social workers, Mary was placed with the family. For the first time in her life, Mary was emotionally ready to experience the love and security that a home can provide.

The LFS social worker maintained contact with Mary and her new family to ensure that she would continue to receive both therapy and the support she needed. Perhaps the most poignant moment of her new life came later that year when she celebrated her birthday for the first time. Never before had she experienced a day that signified she was special, complete with a cake, presents, hugs and smiles. For Mary, her 11th birthday was the beginning of her new life.

Please help us to continue to serve those who cannot help themselves. Please click on the donate now button to help change a life forever.