LRS Stories:

Thomas
Thomas’ mother’s struggles with substance abuse and her unhealthy
relationships with men put Thomas at risk, and he was physically and
sexually abused by several of her boyfriends. Authorities believed that his
mother was aware of her boyfriends’ behavior, but she made no effort to
protect her son. Thomas became disruptive and defiant at school. He
lacked discrimination with strangers, which put him at further risk of sexual
abuse….

When Thomas came to Children’s Home Society, it was apparent that
Thomas’s needs were not a priority to his mother. On one occasion, she
canceled in-home family therapy and a weekend visit with Thomas at the
last minute, stating that she was ill. That evening she was arrested for
being intoxicated in public. After several other incidents involving drugs
and alcohol, parental rights were terminated through the courts.

Thomas had a very difficult time understanding and accepting the loss of
his mother, and had difficulty accepting nurturance from staff. He was
defiant, aggressive and vulgar. But these storms were weathered and his
relationships with staff were strengthened through the adversity.

After almost two years at CHS, Thomas completed treatment and was
discharged to a foster family. His good-bye ceremony was a bittersweet
experience for staff, and many tears were shed.

Thomas came back to visit Children’s Home in March of 2006. He told
us of the challenges and accomplishments in his life since leaving CHS in
1994. He attended college and completed a double major, achieving his
Bachelors degree in less than four years. He is working for a firm in Texas
that handles technology issues for the state. Thomas reports that he is very
happy with his current situation, and he thanked CHS staff for all that was
provided for him, and for sticking with him during the rough times.