At Children’s Hope Alliance we encounter stories of child abuse and neglect that break our hearts. Yet with time and support, we find hope again through the resilience of the kids and families in our care. Last year, police discovered a frail, half-frozen little girl outside in the winter cold. She was so malnourished that she couldn’t walk and was barely responsive. At just 4 years old, Gabby was living in a nightmare. After being cared for in a local hospital, details of the extent of her abuse were revealed and we were contacted to find her a safe, loving home to begin a long road to recovery.  

We are so fortunate to have an amazing community of foster parents, with many ready to open their homes to special cases like this. Gabby would require around-the-clock medical care. The trauma left her nonverbal and caused severe challenges with eating, so she depended on a feeding tube for nutrition.  

Because of you, Gabby is finally in a warm, safe, and loving home. Thanks to our donors and community partners, CHA was able to support the foster family with therapeutic services and personalized care to help Gabby as she continues to heal.  Her new family has showered Gabby with the love and care she deserves.  

Today, Gabby is walking (and even running) and loves to explore! She is learning to talk and loves to say her letters and farm animals. Her CHA case manager said, “It has been so amazing to see her start smiling and giggling while running around playing.”  

And recently, Gabby’s DSS worker shared how grateful she is for Gabby’s foster family and CHA’s support. She said she used to stay awake at night worrying about Gabby, but now she feels peace knowing Gabby is thriving and discovering the world around her.  

Gabby went from being malnourished, nonverbal, and unable to walk. Today, she is full of hope and running down the path of healing, because she found the support and help she needed. 

But this is just one story.  

There are so many more children waiting for someone to help them. Through your partnership, we can reach more children like Gabby who need to find hope, health, and healing. 

Explore our website for more ways to get involved with Children’s Hope Alliance and to #BeTheHope for kids in need.