This is a story of redemption
One that reflects God’s promise to us all and the hope we can find in Christ followers listening to their calling and uniting around our community’s most vulnerable.
Lexi was just 7 years old when she was placed into foster care. Her mom had been struggling with drugs and alcohol and the ability to provide a safe home for her children. After being placed in several foster homes, one of the families that welcomed her was actually one of For The Children’s chapter directors! It was with them that Lexi got to experience camp for the first time. One of her favorite memories was meeting Cathijo.
After camp one year, there was an opportunity to reunite her with her brother at another foster family’s home. Unfortunately, this is where the abuse began, again. Her foster mother was depriving them a safe home. Each time the authorities would come for a check, Lexi and her brother were forced to act a certain way to not bring any attention to their case.
Finally, Lexi remembered that she had the phone number for Cathijo from camp. One day when her foster mother was away, she made a quick call to Cathijo saying, “Help me.” Cathijo quickly made a call into the authorities and when they made a surprise visit to the home, they finally saw the abuse and neglect that was taking place.
It would be months later, but Lexi would be forever rescued by Cathijo. Lexi was officially adopted at the age of 15, which is extremely rare. She is now thriving in her job overseeing acute care centers in Sioux Falls, SD and is an incredible singer and songwriter. Lexi is dedicated to using her voice to share with others the pain that children face across the country, in every community. While this pain exists, Lexi has firsthand experience at the power of having just one loving and caring individual see and hear them.
For The Children volunteers and staff pray consistently that no child has to face the abuse and neglect that Lexi did; but we are forever honored to work alongside the Cathijo ‘s of the world who are persistent in following God’s calling on their life. Our camp and mentoring programs are healing environments with incredible curriculum and activities planned throughout; but the most important component are the enduring relationships that are established.
