From Fear to Family: Lindsey’s Story
When Lindsey arrived at House of Providence, one of our Stillwaters affiliates, she had been through a lot for a young girl. At 11 years old, she already experienced heartbreak, loss, and distrust. Her needs weren’t being met, and her circumstances forced her to grow up too quickly. But because of the attentive and compassionate care she found at House of Providence, Lindsey’s story changed. Here, we follow Lindsey’s journey from fear to family.
A Fearful Start
Before joining House of Providence, Lindsey acted as the main caregiver for her family. This included her two younger siblings and her dad. Sadly, they lost her mother to Covid, and her father eventually passed away, as well. Now orphaned and grieving, Lindsey and her siblings went to live with a cousin and her husband. Her siblings adjusted well, but Lindsey still struggled. Her needs as a child with autism weren’t being met, and the adjustment from an adult role back to that of a child posed a significant challenge. Lindsey needed a different environment and additional assistance in order to heal from the past and prepare for a thriving future.
Compassionate Care
When Lindsey went to House of Providence in August of 2022, her caregivers described her as being “in full fight mode.” We all have an instinctual fight or flight response, and Lindsey’s showed up as the former. Because of her distrust for adults, even safe ones, Lindsey tried to protect herself. Her initial response was to bite. She had been the caregiver in her family for so long that she didn’t know how to accept care from others. For an 11-year-old girl made to play the role of an adult, allowing herself to be a child again was a difficult transition.
However, the House of Providence team showed Lindsey unconditional love and support. Over time, she slowly began participating in weekly therapy sessions, group sessions, and one-on-one support. She started to trust adults and allow herself to be cared for. As Lindsey grew more comfortable, her personality blossomed. She has an excellent memory and loves to share fun facts about the things she learns. One of her favorite activities is swimming. Those who know her best at House of Providence say Lindsey is “brilliant and hilarious.”
A Forever Family
Lindsey is now 13 years old, and she recently received incredible news. A wonderful family came forward and asked if she wanted to be adopted. It’s another amazing development in Lindsey’s journey. Lindsey has been spending weekends and overnights with the family for the last few months as they prepare to start their lives together as a forever family.
“Today she is a different kid than the scared girl we saw almost two years ago,” the House of Providence staff says. “We can’t wait to celebrate her discharge from the program.”
Neither can we!
When you give through For Others, real children like Lindsey get the help they need to heal and thrive. We believe in the power of the Collective: you, us, and our incredible partners like House of Providence. Together, we team up to provide lasting solutions to the child welfare crisis in America. Lindsey and children like her deserve to be cared for, loved, and supported to thrive. Join us to make a difference in another life today.
