Success Stories

How do families rebuild after the devastation of abuse?

Five-year-old Connor rubs his eyes and removes any soap or water that might sting.  His mom, Teresa, fashions a shampoo hairdo for him, rinses it off and reaches for a towel to begin drying her son off.  This has been a relatively quiet bath time.  Not too much splashing by Connor, not too much water on the floor.  Boats and ducks and other assorted toys bounce on top of the bath water waves as Connor stands up for mom to begin drying him off.

As she gently glides the towel up and down her son’s small body he grabs her hand and stops her movement.  “Mom,” he says, “it is OK that Uncle James touches me here?”  Teresa doesn’t quite know how to respond.  “Show me exactly where he touches you,” she says. 

The little boy, now squeaky clean and full of innocence places his hand on his private parts.  His mother doesn’t wish to frighten him with her reaction but without thinking she covers her mouth with her hand and sighs. 

It’s a parent’s nightmare.  Precious children, whom we care for, feed, nurture and do our best to protect – violated!  And as is so often the case, violated by a trusted family member or friend … someone we know.

Teresa contacted her local pediatrician and without hesitation he recommended she contact The Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect.  She did so and within 24 hours she had her first meeting with the professionals at Kempe.

It’s no surprise that Teresa’s doctor recommended The Kempe Center.  Every child seen at The Kempe Center is in the hands of the nation’s leading experts on child abuse.  Kempe has built a reputation as a world leader in the child protection movement.

After Connors’ evaluation it was determined that he had in fact been sexually abused.  By talking with her other children Connor’s mom was able to determine that in fact they also had been abused by the same uncle. 

Knowing that her sister’s children has been in contact with the same uncle, she advised her to also seek help.  Mindy then brought her children to The Kempe Center and it was determined that they, too, had been sexually abused. 

"This took place during our holiday get-togethers,” Mindy said.  "It took place when the kids would go to grandmas for a sleepover.  He truly, truly took advantage of the children.”

The perpetrator in this case is now behind bars in a youth correctional facility.  Meanwhile, the two families work to rebuild a healthy life for their children.  And fortunately, because of your support The Kempe Center stands ready and able to help these hurting, deserving families. 

Mindy and Teresa spend hours on the road each week bringing the children to The Kempe Center to insure that the valuable treatment and counseling provided to their children will continue.  Mindy adds, "The pain inflicted on my children doesn't go away but it does not have to be something that defines them forever." And that's what makes your ongoing support so  important. 

We never lose hope that we can help prevent child abuse and help children who need us.  Our resolve helps us to do more with less.  In this time of shrinking budgets and demand for more services, we simply challenge ourselves to find ways to help more children and families recover from the trauma of abuse and neglect.  Won't you please help us by making a generous donation today?

After your finish reading this letter please go to the Donate Now button and make a life-changing contribution today.  Or, if you would like to learn even more about these two courageous families I invite you to press the Watch Video button.  At the conclusion of the video you will again have a chance to show your support for Connor, their families and future generations of children by showing your support with a generous contribution.

Part of enabling Teresa and Mindy’s family's to move forward is sharing their story in hopes of saving other families from the heartache and devastation caused by child abuse. And you, too, can help move our efforts forward by making a contribution today. 

When I last saw these two families' children they were having fun on the Kempe Center playground.  Never far away, their moms and dads chatted and commented on how high one of their children climbed on the jungle-gym and how well another shot the basketball.   Off to the side, their youngest sat in the sand and grasping handfuls she allowed it to slowly pour through her fingers.

For all of the wonderful therapy, treatment and care we are providing to these children what made me happiest that day was to think about the fact that the children were enjoying being kids again.  Your support made this possible!

Making a generous contribution today is one way to show that you share our passion for improving the lives of children like these and insuring that the vital programs and services they need are always available.

Sincerely, 

Jesse Wolff
President and CEO
The Kempe Foundation

P.S.  A gift in any amount is greatly appreciated and will make a tremendous difference in the lives of deserving children.

*Names of the children have been changed to protect their identity.