As this year comes to a close, I want to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! As I reflect on the last year, I realize how blessed I am. Day in, and day out, I get to do what I was meant to do, what I’ve always wanted to do, which is care for displaced children, foster children. Growing up in foster care myself, I’ve always had a desire to mentor children going through things they shouldn’t have to go through. I lived it, and I made it through. I found my place in life, and I want them to know that they can do it too. If you see this message, you very likely had something to do with my being able to help these kids, and I want YOU to know just how grateful I am, and what a difference you’ve made in the lives of over 100 children!
CTTG opened on July 1st, 2015. It took the time, talent and treasure from many people to make it happen, and a real life miracle or two (or five)! Since we opened, all involved have cried many tears of joy, tears of pain and everything in between. Our kids all have sad stories, but we also see their successes and triumphs, their breakthroughs and newly-formed friendships. We get to teach them new things daily and create fun memories on outings and field trips. We have been able to care for these kiddos properly because YOU have cared enough to support our cause. We provide a gorgeous welcome basket to each child upon arrival (with a soft blanket, a journal, an MP3 player, snacks, and hygiene products), and we take them out clothes shopping immediately, as so many arrive with just the clothes on their back or a small trash bag full of clothes. Not one child leaves our care without proper suitcases or duffel bags. We also provide home-cooked healthy food and get them out of the house on an activity several days a week. Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to provide the level of care that we do!
We have had two significant developments this year as well. We now have a satellite office right down the road where we can hold employee training and staff meetings. What a difference that has made for staff and kids! We also purchased a brand new mini-van. Unfortunately, we were rear-ended in the little donated Toyota that we were using in addition to the 13 passenger van that Nyle Maxell GAVE us when we opened. We got very little insurance money, but found a decent replacement vehicle THAT WAS HIT AND TOTALLED A WEEK LATER! We were so blessed that no one was seriously hurt in either accident, but we decided we needed to purchase a reliable, larger vehicle.
We ask you to please keep us in mind as you make plans for your end of the year giving. For us to continue to be successful and make a positive impact on the lives of these precious children, we need help from our community, family, and friends. Our goal is for 12 people to commit to a recurring donation of $50 a month to defray the increase in our costs so we can continue to provide superior care for the children in 2017. It does take a village and we appreciate all you do. Thank you for your help and providing our kids with your love and support.