About Us
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Success Stories
- Alex & David's Story
At risk of being removed from their family, Alex and David were at a key point in their lives. At ages 14 and 15, the boys were regularly exposed to periods of family crisis. Their mother suffered from drug abuse, and their home had no gas, phone or electricity because there was no money to pay the bills. Despite the condition of their home and the lack of proper care, the boys were devastated at the thought of leaving the only caregiver they had ever known and loved.
When a judge gave CEDARS the opportunity to help create a new life for the boys, we welcomed them into the Wraparound program. Within our care the boys received intensive services designed to keep their loving but highly challenged family together. Wraparound workers contacted the boys' father, who had been living in another state and was unaware of the conditions in which they had been living. CEDARS worked with the boys' father to wrap the resources of the community around the family, effectively supporting them and making it possible for the boys to live at home with their father. Now Alex and David, who were facing certain homelessness, have found stability and a new positive family relationship with their father. They have also been able to remain in regular contact with their mother.
- Rachel's Story
"Abandoned" is a hard word to affirm - it means you are alone, given up on, and deserted. Rachel had no choice but to accept this fact at the young age of 12 when her parents left her and her brother to fend for themselves.
Rachel began to accept abandonment as the only stable thing in her life. She lived in several temporary foster homes until age 17 when she ran away desperate to find belonging.
She came to CEDARS for shelter but left with so much more. We wrapped our arms and services around Rachel to guide and teach her to live independently and to rekindle ties with her foster mother.
- Chris' Story
Chris remembers the worst day of his life as the day when he had to leave his parents' home. He was 11 years old at the time, and his parents lost custody of all of their children because of alcohol and drug addictions. Over the next few years, Chris went from home to home, living with several different families and going to several different schools. Then, Chris found CEDARS, where he was connected with Mike and Mary. Chris describes his new family as "caring and funny." He loves joking around with them and playing games. More than anything, he is thankful to finally be in a home environment that is safe, where he truly feels loved unconditionally.
- A Story of Three Sisters
A short time ago, three sisters - two toddlers and a newborn baby - arrived at CEDARS. The apartment they were living in had no heat, no phone, no hot water and no food. Their mother was overwhelmed and suffering from post-partum depression. She felt hopeless. CEDARS provided a safe place for the girls to stay while their mother put her life back in order. The mother enrolled in cosmetology school, found a new place to live and received help with her depression. Now, the three sisters have everything they need - food, clothing and a safe home. More importantly, because of the care they received at CEDARS, the three sisters live together with a healthy mother who loves them dearly.
An Organization You Can Trust
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