I came to Colette's while I was pregnant. Because I had 3 other children in the child protective services system, only 2 hours after having a painful emergency c-section, social services took my Penny from me. Everything moved so fast, arrangements for foster care, Orangewood visits, and court dates. I was in so much despair but Deby and Jade came to see me, called me, and visited many times to let me know I was loved, thought of, and truly not alone. It's hard to describe what it is like having a baby and then right after ward having it be taken from you. I would fall asleep in the hospital, wake up hearing the other babies cry, and reach out for mine, finding nothing but that empty, hollow place in my chest. Colette's let me stay with my baby the whole time they would let me for visits, to get as much time with her as possible. I felt alone but I knew in my heart that I was never alone and that people were fighting and praying for me.

The day of court, the judge let her only come home solely based upon the structured environment and positive support that Colette's offers, and the reputation it has built over the years. I know that at any other place my Penny would not have come home with me to stay. Colette's gave me the chance to breast feed, to smell her, to touch her soft cheeks, to wipe her tears when she cries, to watch her as she sleeps. My heart is so grateful for all these things I am so lucky to enjoy these. These are gifts most parents take for granted. I even love the dirty smelly diapers. Colette's has helped supply me with everything I needed to be a successful parent of a newborn.

Any woman out there that needs love, understanding, growth, structure, support, hope, and more, come to Colette's. They are the definition of Hope, strength, and life. Colette's gave me the second chance to not only fight for my children but to know what it's like to be a full-time mother. Truly, words cannot express my love and emotions for Colette's Children's Home. I call Colette's a home of miracles for many.