This is the true story of Elizabeth Vasquez,* a child who was in the care of Children's Aid and Family Services. The organization cares for children and who are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect in home like residences called Group Homes. Here, they receive specialized care, therapy and support to help them heal and live to their full potential. Elizabeth shares her story so that community members can see how they helped her-and how that led her to a career of protecting others, and making a stable and happy life for her 3-year-old son, Jay. *

Coming to the Group Home

"When I came to the Woodlea Group Home (Ridgewood, NJ) I started therapy with Miriam Ashworth. I was emotionally distraught because it's a lot for a little kid. I didn't know why my mother didn't want me. If your mother doesn't think you're anything, how are you going to think you're anything? Miriam made me see that it wasn't my fault. Her support, her love, and her 'You can do it' and 'You're the best thing that ever lived' encouragement made all the difference. She made me feel like I was the best kid ever. And I'm sure that she does that with every kid that she's with because I know other kids who've had her as a therapist and they still call her and come to see her just like I do."

Miriam, A Mother-Figure

"I talk about her and I want to cry. Miriam showed up at every single event that I had. She was there for my prom. She was there for my graduation. She's just amazing.

Now, she's a mother-figure to me. She has been everything to me and she still is.

Full Circle, and then Some

"I became a 911 operator for three years. Then I took the police test, and did really well, and they called me into the academy.

I'm not scared. I find it to be exciting. I love my job. I really do.

I don't have the patience for child abuse. It's a sensitive part I guess because I've been through it, you know. That's why I like my job because I know I can make a difference. And having been through it, I know, more or less, what to say and what not to say and how to get a kid to open up to you and try to help them further.

Sometimes I get the opportunity to encourage other kids in foster homes or group homes who are struggling because of the abuse they suffered. I tell them, 'What happened to you is so sad, but you've got to move on. You have to believe that you can do it first, and then everybody else will believe in you.''"

Agency Was Integral to Her Success

"The agency has helped me every step of the way. The staff helped me to get funding for my education. When I moved out on my own, they helped me get my first apartment. And I know that if I need them, I can call them today, and they will see how they can help. They're awesome!"

The Next Generation

Because of Miriam, I can give my son all the nurturing I never got. I think he's going to have a great future because he's going to have a mother who supports him with everything. He's going to have someone who guides him. I plan to send him to college. I have great hopes for him because he'll have better than I did."

When Children like Elizabeth are Not Helped, our Community is also Hurt

Abused children who do not get help are much less likely to reach their potential. Findings from a study by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ Research in Brief, February 2001) showed that:

• Childhood abuse and neglect increased the likelihood of arrest as a juvenile by 59 percent, as an adult by 28 percent, and for violent crime by 30 percent.
• Maltreated children were younger at the time of their first arrest, committed nearly twice as many offenses, and were arrested more frequently.
• Other consequences of child maltreatment include poor educational performance, mental health problems, and generally low levels of achievement.

We Can Help Because You Help

Children's Aid and Family Services is proud of Elizabeth and all the other young people who bravely triumph over trauma and adversity in their lives-and of our dedicated staff who help them reach their goals. But, it is you, the members of our community, who have made it possible for us to help children and families since 1899. (please see back panel listing our wide range of community services.)

We believe that, as a community, we decide what the future holds. Children deserve to be loved and nurtured. With the right support we can each play a role in providing children like Elizabeth with the opportunity to heal and thrive. This is how our community becomes strong-one child at a time.

Please help us to help!

*names changed to protect privacy.