The Mendoza Children
A Family Transformed
By Daisy Dozal, Social Worker

The four “Mendoza” siblings came into the care of Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home in 2007. Their ages upon admission were three, four, six, and seven. They had come from a home where drug abuse and neglect were a large part of their daily lives. The children lived in a one-bedroom apartment along with their grandmother. Their fathers have not been a part of their lives.

It was critically important that these children stay together as a family unit. We were lucky to find caring foster parents who were willing to accept all four children into their home. In the short time they have been in foster care, there has been a remarkable transformation in their attitudes, self-esteem, and overall development.

When they first arrived, the children had a difficult time adjusting to foster care, as they had never lived in a structured environment or received appropriate discipline or guidance. These issues were challenging for their foster parents, but these special people took the time to teach them appropriate behavior, good manners, and the importance of education.

In just six months, the Mendoza children have adjusted to their new environment and  made great progress. Now, when I conduct home visits, they listen when I speak to them and are always smiling and telling me about the fun and exciting activities they share with their foster parents. These children had no concept of a shopping mall and their foster parents report that they constantly want to go to the mall.

When I conduct school visits, the teachers report that they have dramatically improved in their studies. They are vibrant, happy, and confident children, no longer afraid or out of control. Everything they have been taught by their foster family will stay with them and help them as they get older.

The Mendoza children are very fortunate to be in our foster care program, where they are learning family values, experiencing spiritual growth, and living in a safe and stable environment. Seeing the smiles on their faces is very rewarding. Every child now has the opportunity to simply be a child. And that’s what Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home is giving all the Mendoza children.