Thanks to supporters, Breanne is discovering the childhood she’s missed out on.
Childhood can be seen as a series of fleeting moments of wonder and blithe enjoyment for many, but unfortunately, some children must grow up far too soon because of circumstances that are out of their control. For some kids, like Breanne, attaining their basic necessities trumped the significance of partaking in life’s simple pleasures.
Fortunately, the children’s home has given Breanne a well-rounded life with equal doses of responsibility, accountability and sheer childhood fun.
Before Breanne became part of the children’s home family this past September, she often had to worry about where she would be sleeping at night or if there would be food on the table when she got home from school. Now, those needs are no longer concerns, and she can finally focus on the one thing that should be a top priority at her age — being a child.
“I wasn’t always in a stable home, and I was always moving, so this gave me one home where I could stay,” Breanne said.
Although the transition from living with her family to living with a bunch of strangers was challenging in the first few months, and she admittedly still has her homesick moments, everyone was so friendly and welcoming, Breanne recalls.
Living next door to Breanne are her two little sisters, and she is grateful that she can remain close to them. In addition to her two blood-sisters, the eight other teenage girls who live in the Umbaugh Cottage with Breanne became quick extensions of sisters to her.
In less-than-a-year, Breanne and her house mates have already built lasting memories together, such as traveling to New York City for the holidays, playing basketball, going on walks on the surrounding campus trails and simply talking with one another.
“It is good to have friends here who I can always talk to — not just over the phone,” Breanne said.
Being surrounded by uplifting individuals, including her children’s home friends and her house parents, has helped Breanne grow more comfortable in her own skin. She has learned to be more true to herself and not let other people get in the way of showing the world who she really is.
“I think I’ve grown emotionally. I’ve had hard times when I was at home, and I don’t have to worry about anything now,” Breanne said.
“I think it made me stronger to live here. I’ve learned to be more confident in myself and just enjoy my life.”
The positivity and lifelong connections Breanne was met with upon her arrival to the children’s home are things that have already had a critical impact on her and the path she hopes to follow in the years to come.
While she will only be entering the eighth grade in the fall, Breanne has already set goals and aspirations for herself. Once she graduates high school, she hopes to pursue a degree in counseling and one day pay it forward by helping others the way they have helped her when she needed it most.