When times get tough, Paige likes to remember one simple phrase:

“You can do anything you put your mind to.”

It was a phrase she heard from her Nana growing up. Thanks to the children’s home and the generous donors who support kids like her, it’s easier now for Paige to accomplish her goals and prepare for her future.

At only 12 years old, Paige has already seen a lot in life.

“My life before coming to the children’s home was hard, and sometimes scary,” Paige said. “I didn’t know if I would come home with food on the dinner table.”

When Paige was 9 years old, she moved to the children’s home with her two sisters: her older sister, Breanne, and younger sister, Hailey. Staff thought it was important to keep the girls together, as moving to the children’s home can be a big transition, and made accommodations to move them in at the same time. Paige and Hailey are able to live in the same cottage, with Breanne right next door.

“I’m happy to have my sisters here because I always have someone I can trust and relate to,” Paige said. “I look up to Breanne. She is someone who inspires me, and Hailey and I are really close, so I can go to her anytime and talk.”

In addition to her biological sisters, Paige has many more “sisters,” in the form of friends who live in her cottage.

“They always make my day,” Paige said. “They make me laugh when I need to laugh. When I need someone to listen, they listen.”

Outside of normal activities, like playing lacrosse in the backyard or dinner time in the cottage, some of Paige’s favorite memories with the girls include a visit to the beach in Wildwood, New Jersey. She felt blessed for the opportunity.

“The children’s home has made my life better and helped me believe that anything is possible,” Paige said.

In addition to the fun times, children’s home tutors have also made a positive impact on Paige’s academics.

“I’m getting mostly As, all because of the children’s home,” Paige said. “People here made me more responsible, and now I can do more things without any trouble.”

Paige has also connected with her house parents, who, besides looking out for her everyday needs, push and inspire her to be the best version of herself.

“They believe I can do my best and always want the best for me,” Paige said.

In the future, Paige envisions herself as a lawyer or an actress. When describing herself, she uses words like “determined,” “smart,” “active” and “fun.”

Four years ago, these words wouldn’t have been as positive. More than food on the dinner table, the children’s home and its donors now provide Paige with opportunities to discover her self-worth, and most importantly, ensure she can do anything she puts her mind to.