It usually included lots of candy and sharing funny, sweet or loving Valentine’s Day cards with family and friends. Do you remember how special you felt when you received those cards? For many children, this is one of the ways they measure self-worth and love.

Because of the trauma our children have been through, they lack those fond memories of all the love that usually surrounds Valentine’s Day. For the children in our care at Residing Hope we have found that their definition of love and self-worth is often skewed, and in many cases their hearts have been broken. The sad reality is that it goes beyond candy and Valentine’s Day cards.

Before coming to us, many of our children didn’t know what it was like to sleep in their own bed or have food on the table, let alone loving and supportive parents who encouraged emotional and academic success on a daily basis. The care and therapy we provide the children makes them feel safe and loved. It also gives them hope.

Jasmin came to us about a year ago with this misconception of love, after being removed from her home because of abuse. She blamed herself for the situation at home, even for her father leaving when she was very young. This resulted in feelings of low self-worth for Jasmin that showed in her failing grades and inability to make friends. When the teaching parent in her cottage spoke to her recently about Valentine’s Day, she said that in the past, she only received a few gifts or cards in the past. This led to her feeling even less loved. “I never looked forward to Valentine’s Day,” she told her teaching parent. “It only reminded me of how many friends I didn’t have.” Through your generous support, Jasmin received the therapy she needed and came to understand the true love God intended for her. Now her grades are greatly improved and she is actually looking forward to Valentine’s Day, partly because she has a lot of new friends. More importantly, Jasmine feels safe and loved for the first time in her life by God and those around her.

Please make a gift today and help children like Jasmin with their daily needs and therapeutic care.

Donate