In her mid-seventies, Teresa had already raised her children. As a woman of unwavering faith, she filled her days with Bible studies at her community church, prayer circles with neighborhood friends, and frequent medical appointments for her health and mobility challenges. But when 17-year-old Ryan and his three younger siblings suddenly needed a home, Teresa didn’t hesitate.

While Teresa's heart overflowed with compassion, opening her home to four children was anything but easy. She longed to give Ryan and his siblings a home together - one where they felt safe, where snacks waited on the table after school, and where laughter and song replaced worry and tears. But that dream felt more and more out of reach. Ryan and his siblings carried the weight of past trauma and years of abuse, and their pain often showed up as defiance and distrust. The cost of raising growing teenagers stretched her finances and the hope that she once felt was replaced by worry – could she handle it all? What if the home she provided wasn’t enough? And if it wasn’t what would happen to the children?

When Teresa and the children arrived at the CARE House of the Pee Dee, everything changed. From the moment they walked through the doors, they were met with warmth, compassion and understanding. Experienced professionals helped Teresa understand the trauma-driven behaviors she was facing and equipped her with tools to respond with patience and support. Ryan was connected with evidence-based counseling at the CARE House’s Manning office, while trauma assessments ensured his younger siblings received the care they needed. A dedicated CARE House Advocate connected Teresa with essentials like food assistance and community programs, easing her financial worries.

Today, Teresa no longer carries the weight of this journey by herself. With access to high-quality services, she is helping her children heal from their past trauma. She has the resources to keep her family fed, and the guidance to navigate the challenges of parenting with confidence. Most importantly, her family remains together, and now officially her own, they are surrounded by the community they know and love.

Your generosity makes this life-changing support possible. Because of you, families like Teresa’s have access to essential services - therapy, parenting supports and unwavering advocacy. Thank you for giving hope to caregivers like Teresa and for transforming the lives of children like Ryan. Because of you, children throughout the Pee Dee have a safe place to heal from the trauma of abuse and neglect – and a future filled with hope.