“I think we realize what we’ve been given—a chance to start over, new friends, kind adults to take care of us—is a gift, so we respect the privilege and don’t take it for granted. We take care of it and each other.”

“I’m different! Now, I’m going to school more and learning instead of getting in trouble. My attitude toward grownups has changed, and I found out I really enjoy helping younger kids.”

“I wanted a new school, new friends, a break… I was unsure about it until I got here, but it was completely different than anything I expected or had experienced before. I like it a lot.”

“There are also a lot of people to hang out with. I made friends fast because I talk a lot. That’s just how I am. I’ve had to be because I’ve moved a lot. My friends are really important to me and I look forward to spending time with them.”

“I found this place on the internet. While I was getting ready, I kept trying to guess what they would say, what they would ask. I was scared. Online it said ‘no questions asked,’ but I knew most places did anyway. These ladies didn’t.”

“I really like my houseparents. There’s something different about them. They are really kind and patient. I know it must be hard with so many boys, but I think they are how they are because of God.”