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David, age 8, has gone through more than most people do in a lifetime. After suffering abuse and neglect at the hands of his parents, David found the love and support every child deserves from an amazing Villages’ foster family. The Klines opened their hearts and home for David, and fell in love with him immediately! David is just like other kids his age…he loves sports, playing video games, and spending time with his family – his amazing foster family!
“Events like these are so important to the children we serve”, said Sharon Pierce, The Villages’ President and CEO. “The Villages’ children we serve aren’t bad kids…just kids who have had bad things happen to them. Attending a sporting event like Pack the House with their family helps them feel normal and just like the other kids who are at the game with their families.”
On Saturday, David will drop the puck to kick-off the Pack the House for Charity hockey game. He, his foster siblings and parents will be among the 10,000 people attending the game. David was selected as the ceremonial Puck Dropper among the 1,400 children served by The Villages.
There are thousands of children who are hurt by the people who should love them the most – their parents. The children served by The Villages are receiving the love and support they need to overcome this trauma, but The Villages’ can’t do it alone. By purchasing tickets to Pack the House you’ll help fund The Villages’ life-changing programs and services offered to abused and neglected children like David.
Brenda Wilson is a supervisor for The Villages’ Healthy Families MOM Project in Indianapolis and has worked with the organization for 11 years. Brenda works with staff whose job it is to provide parenting support for at-risk first time parents. We recently asked Brenda a few questions about her job working with vulnerable parents and their children.
The Villages: Why did you choose a career in child welfare?
Brenda: I have always had a calling to help people. I enjoy working with families on empowering them to achieve their goals. I also want to help children to achieve at their highest potent.
The Villages: Please share one inspiring experience you had in the last year?
Brenda: The fact that we had two events where over 300 hundred adults and children attended. We were able to be creative and provide them with services and items at a minimal cost.
The Villages: What can the community do to help you, and The Villages, better serve vulnerable children and families?
Brenda: The community could do more to advocate for more money to be invested in the programs that make up The Villages agency.
The Villages: What is your wish for The Villages and/or the children you work with?
Brenda: I would wish that The Villages could provide all the services needed for children and families to be successful in achieving their goals without the worry of if there is enough money.
