Kennetha is an extremely funny, quick witted young woman. She came to Faith Homes after burning her way through several foster placements and wearing thin her welcome at her grandmother’s. Kennetha, abandoned by her mother at age two, was angry with her remaining parent, her father for choosing a life of drugs over her. He repeatedly left Kennetha with his girlfriends and they abused her. Her dad was not in contact with her for a very long time and Kennetha remained at the mercy of strangers, relatives, and eventually the foster care system.

Faith Homes provided Kennetha the structured environment she needed but her time was limited as she would age out at 18. For 8 months Kennetha’s anti-social behavior and bullying dominated and staff were not sure she was going to turn around in time. Kennetha was required to participate in Faith Homes’ Relational Healing model. The model has clients identify their anger as pain, understand the cause of the pain, confront the perpetrator and forgive. When Kennetha could finally acknowledge the harm her father caused, the walls came down and she began to make progress.

With staff diligently talking with prison officials and case workers in the Utah prison system, explaining how the Relational Healing Therapeutic model could be a turning point for both Kennetha and her dad, permission was finally granted for Kennetha and staff to travel to Utah (shown above: Laurie, Kennetha, & Nikki). Donors funded the trip and Kennetha was granted two private visits, both for two hours, and a third supervised visit.

In confronting her dad, Kennetha was able to let go of her pain. She stands a very real chance of healing and developing better relationships in the future. Kennetha’s father, in prison for theft and forgery, was extremely grateful for the chance to reestablish a relationship with his daughter. He has been diligent in writing a letter to her every day and is participating in the rehabilitation and educational programs available to him.

Family relationships are the most influential in a person’s life. When a child experiences pain and abuse at the hands of those who mean the most to them, the resulting feelings of betrayal are unfortunately very powerful. This is why the impact from family offenses incites incredibly high levels of rage and conflict. When parents who are expected to love and protect their child become the worst offenders, a devastating cycle of conflict will begin and eventually escalate out of control.

Faith Homes is a unique agency working primarily with teenage girls and young women who are abused, neglected or homeless. Clients are typically between the ages of 13 and 25. They might have been taken from their homes because their parents are unfit and state authorities have stepped in or they might be homeless and have been referred by United Way or DSHS. Faith Homes is a 501(c)3 and depends on donations from individuals to operate. Their biggest fundraiser is a luncheon to be held on November 2 at noon at La Quinta, please put it on your calendar and plan to attend. Perhaps your business would like to join Eisenhower & Carlson, PLLC, Regence BlueShield, The Lucky Eagle Casino, and Ranier Pacific Bank in being an event sponsor. If so, contact Elijah Moon at 253-572-0458 ext 12

For more information on Bethesda Family Services Foundation, feel free to e-mail us today or call (570) 523-0605.