The Following stories are sample cases of Whaley Children living the philosophy of the Circle of Courage.. The names have been changed to protect their privacy.

Mastery...

Todd came from a biological home that was extremely physically abusive as well as had a history of mental illness. He has not heard from or seen his biological mother in over 12 years. He lived with his father and stepmother for a number of years and was the black sheep in the home and was not treated like a member of the family. He was physically and emotionally abused by his stepmother and his father never protected him from the abuse. Todd was falsely accused of violence and rape towards the stepmother and stepsister.

Todd came to Whaley Children's Center just over a year ago, after numerous hospitalizations. He was a quiet, shy, and scared young man. He rarely opened up to others and was very unsure of himself. Slowly, Todd was able to find inner strength and start to grow. Staff gave him opportunities to test himself and teach him new skills. His therapist was able to help him overcome his past and focus on his future and be successful. Todd is now a confident, out-spoken, and caring individual.

This summer he had the opportunity to attend a summer camp where he overcame some of his fears by participating in the high and low ropes course as well as in the drum line. He has also learned to cook and explore his feelings through journal writing. Most impressively he was able to pass both the written and performance adult and child CPR class/test on the first try. He was also able to make one of his dreams come true by building his own racecar. Todd wants to be a NASCAR driver when he gets older and this was his chance to put his dreams and thoughts into action. He built his car successfully and was able to race on the final day of camp. The camp counselors were so impressed by Todd’s willingness to try new things and try to overcome fears that they “invented” an award after him. He will be the first to have his name on the plaque for the award.

Todd is a motivation for all of us. He came from a tainted past and with encouragement, love, and acceptance he has grown into a model citizen and a role model for both children and adults.

….more Whaley stories that will warm your heart…