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Some Letters From The Kids
Here are a few of the notes collected by Social Workers this year.
A 12 year old female was molested by her older cousin three years ago this Christmas. The child has been to counseling and is working to get through her issues. Sadly, the family has been torn apart because people in the extended family all took sides and now they do not speak to one another. So not only did this child lose her innocence, but she also lost part of her family. The case continues to drag on in court, and until things are completely finished, this child does not have closure.
An 11 year female came into the Center for an interview. She had been molested by her mother’s boyfriend’s brother over a year ago. The mother only found out when she found the child inflicting self-harm and took her to counseling. The child continues to be in counseling and has some self esteem issues as she approaches puberty. Sadly, it is unclear if there will be any charges filed in this case or not.
A single mom raising four children struggles daily to make ends meet and provide for her kids. Three out of the four children have been sexually abused. The perpetrator is incarcerated in another state on sexual abuse charges. The family moves often and the kids have to change schools. Because of the economy, the mom sometimes has difficulty finding work.
11-10-09
Dear Pat,
Hello , I was raised all over the state of Illinois. I would like to tell you a little about myself. I am the middle child of many. I was removed from my home when I was 7 years old, because I was a victim of child abuse. In my life time I have been neglected, beaten, cut, starved, and sexually abused. I also witnessed the abuse of my siblings as well. The last time that I saw my Mother was when I was 13 years old. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison along with her ex-boyfriend, who also abused us. Although I love my mother, I would prefer not to have any contact with her.
Through the years I’ve lived in 2 foster homes, 2 group homes, and 1 Transitional Living Program where I currently reside. I’ve found myself messing up in my life quite often. I used to get good grades in school, and was proud to be on the honor roll. However, I knew that I had to get by in the real world, so I found a new family when I joined a gang. I had a new family and a lot of new problems. I began to sell drugs, and found myself in jail. However with that experience, I knew that I needed to turn my life around. Although I’ve witnessed a lot in my life, I realized that if I hadn’t been taken from my home so long ago, I could have been in jail for life, or even worse… dead. I decided that it was and is time take my life back.
Therefore, I’m writing to you to say thank you. Thank you for caring about us kids. Many of us think of the Holidays as just another season; and many of us don’t have much money, or may not have a “traditional family”, but it’s good to know that we’re not alone, and that there are people who truly care about us. Thank you for touching the lives of people who live in this system we call DCFS.
Sincerely,
“DCFS Youth”
My name is Bryce and I’m 6 years old. My mom and I had to drive all the way through 4 states to stay in a shelter in southern Illinois. This is my first time being this far away from home, but the fights between my mom and dad were getting really bad so we left. I’m happy that my mom and I left because I started having nightmares about how scary my dad was, he was becoming a vicious monster. I know I am only 6, but I know my mom does not deserve to be talked to that way or have things thrown at her.
We just moved into a house, but my mom still doesn’t have a job. She is always trying to make our new life better for me, but never once thought about herself. All I am asking for this Christmas is for my mom to be happy and go out and get something for herself and find a job. She totally deserves it after how hard she has worked to keep me safe.
Thank you,
Bryce
My name is Kate and I am 13 years old. My mom and I had to come stay at a shelter because my dad was hurting my mom very badly. We had to leave all of our friends and family behind but I came with my mom because I love her and want her to be safe. She has been working so many hours and saving every last penny she has so we can start our new life without abuse. I am very grateful for everything the shelter has done for us, but I know my mom really wants to find us a place.
All I am asking for this Christmas is for my mom to finally find a place for us to live. I know this will make her super happy since she has been looking for a long time and I really want to see my mom smile again. I just really wish this Christmas would be filled with love and happiness and not yelling and screaming like it has been in the past.
Thank you,
Kate
A letter from an older ward of the Department of Children and Family Services who has experienced a variety of pain and loss in her life. From the physical and sexual abuse by providers and birth parents, the death of her biological mother, to the repeated moves while living in the DCFS system, this youth surely represents the “yes I can” mentality that our young people can aspire to with her undying resolve to survive and the support, caring, and love of others who have come into her life.
Dear Pat,
I have been in the system since I was 12 years old and have gone down a rough road through life. Throughout the years of being in the system I have been moved around a lot, from foster homes residential treatment centers group homes, and transitional living programs. Being moved around I never really had a normal life. I’ve missed the most important holidays being in the system because the foster homes I’ve been to never bought me anything and I never got to go back home to spend time with my family on holidays. When I heard about Pat’s Kids my heart felt so warm. Not just me, but all the other little children in the system I’m sure really appreciate what you do around Christmas time. I myself and other kids I’m sure appreciate people who listen to the heartfelt letters kids write to you and they end up donating to Pats Kids even if it’s $10.00. I appreciate it because living in the residential program I have staff who get paid to help us and be there for us, but when people who don’t get paid for helping us kids donate money or time it makes me feel loved and cared for even more.
I am 17 years old and a Senior in high school. I have two older siblings and three younger siblings. My mother has struggled with alcohol and substance abuse issues since I can remember. We have been involved with many social service agencies over the years to try and help our family. My mother has her long time boyfriend living with us and he is the father to my younger two siblings. We do not really get along which makes things at home difficult. My mother is working right now but her boyfriend does not and he continues to have substance use problems that he does not want to get help for. I have many responsiblities in regard to my siblings and recently I was hospitalized due to being depressed and overwhelmed. I try to spend time with my siblings and make sure that they get to school. I am the only one in the family with a driver’s license. My mother and my family is doing better but there are many struggles.
10/28/09
Dear Pat,
I am a twelve year old girl and my mom neglected me. She is mentally ill. She has times when she forgets to feed me and my her clothes. I have been staying with a relative until she gets her medicine worked out.
I am writing because I was hoping that you would help me with Christmas presents this year. I could really use some clothes, shoes and a bike.
Will you consider helping me have a great Christmas this year?
Thank you and Merry Christmas,
A sweet little girl
10/28/09
Dear Pat,
I am a fifteen year old boy and have been neglected by my mom and dad. Both my parents abuse drugs and my dad beats my mom. I haven’t lived with them for several years because of this. The people I stay with now struggle to provide everything I need.
I am writing because I was hoping that you would help me with Christmas presents this year. I could really use some clothes, videos games, and a skate board.
Will you consider helping me have a great Christmas this year?
Thank you and Merry Christmas,
Jefferson County Kid
My name is Angel, I am 16 years old. I have a two year old sister and three year old brother, with another sibling on the way. We had to live in the women's shelter for three months because my dad was being abusive to my mom and he kicked us out. My mom and dad were always fighting. My dad yelled at me a lot and he has pushed me and even hit me before. We are living in a transitional apartment right now. My mom works full time and I have to help her with my brother and sister all the time. She is stressed out a lot and dosn't have much money. I know she wants us to have a good Christmas, but I don't know if she will have the money to buy us presents this year. I need clothes and so does my brother and sister. The new baby will be here by Christmas and it will be even harder for my mom. My mom works hard and never spends money on herself. I wish I could give her money to go buy herself something.
Thank you,
Angel
My name is Hope and I am 11 years old. I live with my mom and my two little brothers, who are twins. My step dad just moved out because he was abusing my mom. He would yell at my mom all the time and cuss at the twins, who are only one year old. He never seemed to care about me or my brothers. He would never help with my brothers; I am my mom's only help. One time my step dad put a gun to his head in front of me and my mom. He made me get chiggers before because I had to run outside at 10:00 at night and lay in the tall grass to call the cops because I thought he was going to kill my mom, the twins, and me. The cops came and put me and my mom in the police car. We started screaming and crying when we heard the cop say he had a young child in his arm with a gun held up to my brothers chin. We are safe now, but I still have to live with that for the rest of my life. I worry about my mom a lot more. My mom still cries sometimes and I tell her everything is going to be alright and that she deserves better. I know it is hard for my mom to pay the bills and take care of me and my brothers. I'm sure this Christmas she will have a hard time getting us presents. I don't want anything except maybe a stuffed animal; I want my brothers to get presents. Most of all I just want my mom to be happy.
Thank you,
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