Between 3 and 4 children are abused or neglected every hour of every day in the US. Most often children are abused by the people they love and trust most – their parents or guardians. We see children like Isaiah every day at Pendleton Place.
Isaiah
Isaiah was only 3 years old when his mother was killed during a random violent shooting. Scared and confused, he and his older sister Maya went to live with their grandparents. His new home should have been warm and loving, helping him to grieve the loss of his mother and begin healing. Instead, it became a place of pain and sadness. Not only did little Isaiah suffer physical beatings at the hands of his grandmother, but he was also sexually abused by his grandfather.
The Department of Social Services removed Isaiah from his home after teachers reported concerns about Maya’s behavior in school. Both children were brought to Pendleton Place, where they could have a safe place to call home until a more permanent placement could be arranged. Like most children who come to Pendleton Place, Isaiah and Maya didn’t bring a suitcase. They arrived with only the clothes they were wearing; no toys, blankets, or comfort items. Our staff provided them with clothing, food, and everything they needed to help them get adjusted to living in the shelter.
When 5-year-old Isaiah arrived at Pendleton Place, he had some serious behavior problems. Like many victims of abuse, he was angry all the time and distrustful of our staff. He bullied his roommate, who was older and bigger than he was. He was defiant and often threw tantrums over minor issues. He was particularly sensitive to being touched on his head. An accidental touch or brush would remind him of the violent punishment he received from his grandmother, and he would escape into a raging tantrum.
We knew that Isaiah was physically strong, but emotionally weak and hurting. Our staff worked with him to develop coping skills, teaching him to control his anger and express himself in more positive ways. Refocusing his anger allowed Isaiah the opportunity to talk about his mother and grieve, something his grandparents never permitted him to do. He would gently curl up and rock himself, crying for his “mama." Our staff would hold him in their arms, comforting him until he would eventually calm down or fall asleep.
Pendleton Place provided Isaiah with a safe home, clothing, food, and comfort. But even more importantly, we provided the environment he needed to feel safe again. After 5 months at Pendleton Place, Isaiah and Maya were placed in the loving care of another relative. We still keep in touch with them, and are pleased that both children are doing well and are on their way to a healed and positive future.