first

Growing up in a home with an alcoholic, fighting, abuse, and neglect, I wanted to be different. I didn’t know how exactly, but knew I wanted nothing to do with the way I was being raised. Turning my parents in at the age of 13 for abuse and neglect. Turning them in, didn’t mean that I was taken right away. It took about a year and half of turning them in. Finally I was taken away because I had bruises on me for over two weeks. I went into foster care.

Being the oldest of four girls,I wanted it to be better for us. But for some crazy reason I was the only one taken. My sisters claimed that nothing happened, and because of the bruises they had to remove me. Going into a group home until my hearing.

It was agreed that I be put into the system until my parents finished did what the judge said.

Never happened.

Over the course of 5 years, I was in 5 homes. Some were to be permanent, while others were temporary until I was placed. During this time, I learned a lot. Angry, damaged, and not trusting people. To be honest, I was lost.Having no clue how to act, it was a learning process.

Throughout this, I met so many amazing people. Found Jesus (AMEN). And met my forever family.Being part of so many families, I learned what I did want and didn’t want for my future marriage and family. Though it was hard at times, I am so very thankful to God for opening my eyes and being with me through all those years.

It takes a village and a lifetime of prayers. Some are to plant, some to water, some to sow. There are many people who I pray God richly blesses for what they did for me. Sticking by me even when I pushed them away.

So with my story-

I want to give back. I want to give hope to kids that are high risk. And what better way to give back than my hometown. This group of people are amazing. They give their time and effort to these kids that most of society would not give the time of day.

Here’s a little bit about them:

T.R.O.Y. - helping students to gain an education and earn a diploma at their own pace. Our mission is to provide the youth of our community with the tools and education necessary to succeed. We believe that education is the most important factor in breaking cycles of violence, poverty, and negative choices and that all youth in Whitley County deserve that opportunity to earn an education. In addition to academic services, TROY Center provides support services. Many other approaches have failed these youth in the past and we may be the last chance standing in the way from these kids slipping through the cracks. We can provide these students who have failed to thrive in a traditional classroom the opportunity to succeed in education, sometimes for the first time. In order to provide students with the highest quality education, licensed teachers, a 1:7 staff to student ratio, a licensed school counselor, a behavior specialist, and more, it takes an entire community to pull together. Your purchase of this necklace and support of our program is sincerely appreciated

When you purchase this “hope” necklace, $10.00 goes to the T.R.O.Y. center. So will you help me make a difference in these teens lives.

xoxoxo

Amanda

So this is where you can help. For each “Hope” necklace that you purchase, $10.00 will donated to this program. Can you help make a difference?