formerly St. Joseph Orphanage (855) 577-PATH (7284)
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Ebony

The coolest thing I saw: A baby panda
If I could do anything, I would: Play soccer
When I grow up, I want to be: A doctor
Something funny about me: I like to make people laugh
Favorite Food Pizza

Overcoming Abuse & Trauma

EBONY AND HER FOUR SISTERS CAN BE described as bubbly and talkative, and are eager to talk about their dreams for the future. However, they all had to work long and hard to get to this point. Five years ago, Ebony and her sisters led dramatically different lives. Twelve-year-old Ebony, the eldest of the four, vividly recalls what life was like before their time at St. Joseph Orphanage (SJO).

It all started when their mother met a man who doted on her, but ignored her daughters. The real nightmare began once the man moved into their home. He ruled their home with violence and anger. One day, he forced them all into a small room, locked the door and left them there for hours on end, giving them only a bucket to use as a means to go to the bathroom. They were now prisoners in their own home. Even asking for a glass of water was grounds enough for punishment. And since the girls weren’t allowed to go to school or watch TV, most of their time was spent in their tiny prison, listening to violent arguments taking place right outside their door.

After learning of the girls’ situation, an aunt removed them from the home and called social services – which ultimately led them to SJO. With the help of staff and their aunt, Ebony and her sisters have “worked through all the hard stuff.” Now living in a stable, loving home, all four girls are flourishing. They also celebrate birthdays, as well as holidays, like Halloween and Christmas – something they had never been allowed to do in their previous home. “From the beginning, I’ve told these girls that if they can dream it, they can do it,” says the sisters’ case manager. “And now that they believe it, I can’t wait to see how they go out and change the world.”