Lives Transformed: Stories of Success
A Letter to Lee Moor
I wasn’t sure where to send this thank-you note.
I just wanted to say that me, my older brother, and older sister lived at this great home from January to May of 1962. That February I turned 10 years old. I am the youngest of seven. [read more]
Jorge’s Extended Family
By: Patricia Majerczyk, Case Worker
Sometimes it takes more than medications, therapy, and a stable living environment to help a child grow into a productive, well-balanced adult. Sometimes it takes a deep human connection based on trust, support, and unconditional love. That’s what it can take to transform a life. [read more]
Julie’s Story—Foster Care for a Family in Transition
By Martha Naranjo, Intake/Foster Care Case Worker
Child Protective Services. To a parent, these may be the three scariest words in the world. Sometimes, however, they may be a blessing in disguise. Early one spring morning, I received a call about a sibling group, including 16-month-old “Julie,” whose parents were going through some difficult times that included drug and alcohol abuse. Julie needed a safe and stable environment while her parents got the help they needed. [read more]
Raul’s Story—Working Through Aggression to a Bright Future
By Maria Loraine Araiza, LBSW, Social Worker
Eleven–year-old “Raul” and his brother were placed at Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home because their mother had abandoned them and they had an abusive father. Raul suffered from his father’s aggression and saw his younger brother victimized from the behavior, which was especially violent when his father had been drinking. When Raul was upset, he began to act out in anger just like his father, which only added to the unstable family environment. [read more]
Dina: Success in Science and Life
By Maria Loraine Araiza, LBSW, Social Worker
Before joining the Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home family, Dina, 11, lived with her mother, who was having a difficult time maintaining a stable home. Her mother decided to place Dina at the Home while she worked some issues in her life to be able to better provide for her daughter. When Dina was placed, she was comfortable with the living situation, but missed her mother. She hadn’t seen her father in seven years. [read more]
A Transformation
By Claudia Quiñones, Caseworker
Joey, a spry seven-year-old boy, currently resides at Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home, where he has lived for the past year. It was a rocky start. When he first arrived, he exhibited a lot of anger, voicing that he hated everyone. He frequently went into uncontrollable rages, demonstrating aggression towards himself and others. Joey would hide in closets, under the bed, or in the restroom when things were not going his way. [read more]
Mickey's Story—A New Beginning
By Patricia Majerczyk, Case Worker
Seven-year-old “Mickey” came to live at Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home during the Christmas holidays. He was living with his mother and his two brothers, but two months prior to coming to the Home, his family’s home had burned down, killing one of his younger brothers and leaving the family homeless. All of their belongings burned in the fire—all they had were the clothes on their backs. Mickey was suffering, confused, numb, and unable to accept or understand the death of his brother. [read more]
David’s Story: A Second Chance
By Claudia Quiñones, Caseworker
“David,” 15, has been a resident of Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home for three years. He was getting in trouble at school and going out with friends without parental permission or knowledge. His grandparents were having a difficult time raising him. They felt they didn’t have the skills to effectively care for and discipline him. David’s troubles at school eventually landed him in court and the judge referred him to the agency.
David was born in December 1992 in an El Paso motel room. After giving birth, his mother abandoned him. [read more]
Abel—A 180-degree Turnaround
By Patricia Majerczyk, Case Worker
When your parents are drug abusers and traffickers with a taste for domestic violence, you can grow up pretty fast. This was childhood for eight-year-old “Abel” before he came to live at Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home in 2008. [read more]
Thank You Lee & Beulah Moor Children's Home
By Luis Alberto Fernandez, former resident
I have been blessed to be part of the Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home family. I came to the Home in 2000 when I was just nine years old. From the beginning I was provided with a safe, caring, and structured environment that allowed me to learn, grow, and ultimately become a leader. The diverse personalities and backgrounds of the staff, volunteers, and residents have shaped my life, enriched my character, and exposed me to a variety of cultural/social experiences. [read more]
Katie’s Story—Overcoming a Difficult Past
By Loraine Araiza, Social Worker
“Katie” comes from a single-parent family. Her mom lived in another state and was constantly moving, which prevented Katie from making friends or completing a year of school. Katie was responsible for caring for her younger siblings, so that when her mother would leave, she changed their diapers and tended to their needs. Her mother was often gone for extended periods, leaving Katie and her siblings with no food or money. The homes where they lived were unfurnished and not suitable for children. [read more]
Wendy’s Story—The Right Thing to Do
By Martha Ruuti, Child Care Worker
At 16 years old, “Wendy” knew it all. She was defiant, angry, and full of rebellion. She had spent most of her life taking care of herself, but she came to us sensing that at this time in her life, she might need a little help. Everyone in her life had yelled and screamed and told her that she was worth nothing. But something inside of her told her they were wrong. [read more]
Cherish's Poem
By Cherish, Age 8
I DON’T FEEL REAL
I don’t have my Mom and Dad.
Some people say that’s not so bad.
But to me it’s a very big deal.
Because right now I don’t feel real.
[read more]
Natasha’s Story—A Leap of Self-Confidence
By Jim Thomas, Senior Administrator of Development and Activities
When “Natasha” became part of the Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home family, she was 13 and, like all young teenagers, was both excited and a little intimidated by becoming a teenager and living at the Home. But Natasha came to us with a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. She always had a smile on her face. [read more]
Rick’s Story—From Self-Esteem to Self-Realization
By Jim Thomas, Senior Administrator of Development and Activities
The first time I met “Rick,” he was flying through the air, executing a fly-kick that was intended for me. Fortunately, he pulled back at the last moment. That would not be the last time I would see his anger, but it was certainly the most threatening. Although I didn’t know it at the time, he had good reason to be angry and was dealing with it the only way he knew: by intimidating anyone and everyone he encountered. Like many young people in our care, Rick had been hurt emotionally and physically by those who should have been his protectors, something few overcome. [read more]