David’s Story
A Second Chance
By Claudia Quiñones, Caseworker

“David,” 15, has been a resident of Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home for two 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. He was found by the motel’s cleaning woman, who called the police. The police were able to locate his maternal grandparents, who came to the hospital and learned that David was born a cocaine addict. His grandparents stayed and took care of the baby through the crisis and eventually took conservatorship. His mother was nowhere to be found.

David’s older brother was already living with his grandparents. He has five more brothers and sisters, whom he doesn’t know. Those siblings live with their paternal family, who don’t want to let the children know their grandparents or their brothers.

David’s mother served several years in jail for drug-trafficking convictions. His father was eventually killed by gang members. David grew up with little educational guidance since neither of his grandparents knew how to read or write.

When David was placed at Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home, he was registered at school, where his teachers noticed that he didn’t seem to understand what he was being taught. His caseworker placed him in the El Paso Mental Health/Mental Retardation program for evaluation. The doctor initially thought that David was mentally retarded because at age 12, he couldn’t read or write. He couldn’t write his name, didn’t know his date of birth, and couldn’t speak or understand English. He was finally diagnosed with ADHD and a low IQ.

With the help of his caseworker, child-care workers, and a community volunteer at Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home, David started a tutoring program to learn how to read and write. He was very motivated and after two years, made great progress. He understands and speaks English and is making good grades, plus he can read and write and works well with teachers. He participates in school sports and has gained much-needed confidence. Today, David has a bright future.

Thanks to Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home, David has been given a second chance at life.