Success Story – James

image_fpo

A Fond Holiday Memory

Because many Sacramento Children’s Home residents often do not get to spend the holidays with their families, we try to make that time of year as special as possible. The Residential Program hosts multiple holiday events, including a fancy breakfast outing at Casa Garden Restaurant, complete with a visit from Santa and his elves. The community also comes together and generously donates items on our residents’ wish lists through our Holiday Giving Program.

Each year, thanks to support from our generous donors, we also take residents on a holiday trip to the snow if they are unable to spend that time with family. On one trip, staff members headed to the snow on the morning of December 24th with more than twelve boys. As luck would have it, the snow had recently fallen and the days were cold and sunny – perfect for playing and sledding in the snow. Many of the boys had never even seen snow before, and they were overjoyed. Over the next two and a half days, the children went bowling, to the movies, snow sledding and out to various dinners and lunches. Everyone returned saying what a fantastic time was had by all, and they couldn’t wait till they can return to the snow again.

This trip was particularly remarkable for one 14 year old boy named “James.” James often does not like social functions or outings. When given the option to go to Mount Shasta, his immediate reaction was that it would be “a stupid trip,” and he’d rather stay behind. After a great deal of patience, and some encouragement by his treatment team, he finally agreed to go. He, maybe more than most, was beaming the whole time. He loved the town and his time in the snow. He said if he and his family could live in a place like that, all would be good. Though we may not be able to make that wish come true, it is rewarding to know that James, along with the other children in the program, will have a fond holiday memory to hang on to for a lifetime.

*Names have been changed to protect the identities of our clients.

Read More Success Stories