Changed LivesSaved Lives

Sticking Together with the help of God’s grace

By June 11, 2012No Comments

Three years ago, Rhyann arrived at the Lakeland her two younger brothers.

Arriving at the FBCH shelter, Rhyann, then 10, was highly protective of her two brothers Derek and she worried about what this new home might mean for their futures.

Ryann envisioned “a large building with beds all along the wall and never be allowed to go outside or do anything.”

Derek saw all the classrooms and an adjustment for him.

Zackery wasn’t sure what to think, but he wanted to explore. Andrew Kennedy, Residential Case Manager said, “When Zackery first came, he climbed everything, even the light pole out front.”

The three siblings had lived with little supervision, structure, or school, and let adults take care of them.

Rhyann is thriving at school, where she likes reading and likes to learn.”

Learning to trust other people, especially adults, has been a process for Rhyann. But she has been delighted to discover that she and that they can be safe with people who love them.

“Most of all, I no longer have to be a parent. I can be a child, or really a teenager now,” she says with a broad smile.

Derek and being active.

LaFave says all three siblings are very creative. Derek, who enjoys drawing and Zackery just tested into the gifted program.

Derek enjoys the sense of a regular family life and all the people who love him. “It can sometimes get a little rowdy with all the kids here, but we are like one big family. You should see the waiter’s face when we say we have a family of ten. It’s hilarious!”