See the latest news from NW Children's Fund, along with
archived newsletters and annual reports.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
“THE CYCLE STOPS WITH ME”
NWCF Forum 2012
Ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect in even one family has far-reaching benefits – for the family and the community, now and for future generations.
For a child who grows up around abuse and neglect, it takes more than grit and self-determination to break away and carve a path to a healthier,safer future. It also takes consistent, positive guidance and support from the community. At the NWCF Forum in January, we heard from three victims of child abuse who vowed that the cycle of abuse and neglect would end with them—and three of the NWCF-funded agencies that are giving these individuals the support and guidance they need to succeed.
Larry & Cocoon House: “If you’re given a second chance, always try your best.” Larry’s father was an abusive alcoholic,and Larry started to go down a similar path when he was 17. He drank, smoked pot, vandalized, and was homeless by age 18. Through friends, he heard about Cocoon House—an agency that provides safety, prevention, and housing programs to help homeless teens. With guidance from Cocoon House, Larry has taken the steps necessary to achieve sobriety and give back to the community: he attends AA meetings and community college classes, lives independently in his own apartment, and volunteers at the Cocoon House drop-in center and with their street outreach team. “I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, and prove that I could make it. Thanks to Cocoon House, I’m achieving my goals.”
Jessica & Parent Trust: “For my kids, the cycle has to stop with me.” Abuse and addiction were a way of life for Jessica’s family. During her childhood, she bounced between living with her heroin-addicted mother, an alcoholic and abusive grandfather, and a negligent father. When Jessica became a mother herself, she was determined to be a positive role model for her children. Without a strong example to draw from,it hasn’t been easy. She struggled with a pain pill addiction, but was able to find her resolve by focusing on her kids. With support from an in-patient treatment program and specialized coaching and education from Parent Trust, Jessica is developing the parenting skills and other crucial protective factors needed to keep her family safe.
Ray & HopeSparks: “HopeSparks never gave up on me.” His parents’ alcoholism and drug addiction forced Ray into the foster care system at age 4. By 8, he had run away to live on the streets. By 20, he was using meth and began a decade that would include jail time, homelessness,marriage, and bringing three children into his chaotic world. Throughout this tumult, Ray sought to protect his own children from the untethered life he had known as a child. Ray faltered more than once. He credits the love of his children and unfailing support ofHopeSparks with helping him to overcome his addictions at last and become the kind of parent his kids need and deserve. “Every day, I strive to be a better person.”We applaud all the amazing organizations we fund for the invaluable work they do—and we applaud you for making our investment in these programs possible.
