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Ettie Lee Youth & Family Services BLOG First hand
stories, written by our volunteers, staff, clients or donors, are an authentic way to show the human impact of the work we do. September 2016 Bruce C., 12 years old, was very scared and in rage with the
whole world – feelings he had every right to after what life had put him
through. Bruce and his younger five siblings were removed from their parents
due to domestic violence and substance use. And to make matters worse all
of the siblings were placed in different foster homes. Ettie Lee provided
love and care for him at the Diamond L home for just about 2 months.
During that time he opened up and felt comfortable enough to talk about
his rage. Unfortunately his rage was out of control and his social worker
determined that he would benefit from a higher level of care. We very much
wanted to continue to work with him, but we could not provide the 24 hour
one-on-one watch for him that he needed. Once Bruce was living in his new
home, we received the ultimate feedback from his social worker who remarked
that she would refer other clients to Ettie Lee.
August 17, 2016 Mario G., age 17 reunified with his grandfather in July
2016. When Mario came to live with us at the Mt. Jurupa home in February
2016 he had a lengthy criminal history -- robbery, possession of ammunition,
grand theft auto and drug use. He also had a history of running away from
home and other group homes. He really struggled at first, but that was
normal and understandable. He had to get adjusted, feel the warmth, the support
and security he had with his “Team” before settling down and opening up. Within
four months, he was on the right track. The team ( Probation Officer,
Social Worker, Therapist, Child Care Worker, Rehab Specialist, Drug and Alcohol Counselor) supported him as he improved at school, then he changed the way he
dressed and presented himself – sharing that he wanted to change his look
and style, and that he didn’t want to “run with hommies any more”.
He made up his mind--he wanted to go back home to grandpa and volunteer in
church, where he “could be with family and feel great.” Prior to going
home he reminded us that he will never forget his “Ettie Lee” family. Was
he perfect when he left? No, but when he cursed, he would catch himself,
and with a smile, exclaim, “my bad, I guess I still need to work on language.” This is awareness! This is success! In his last Team meeting, Mario’s
grandfather happily shared that he was happy and proud to have him back and
remarked that he was certain that this time round, it is going to work!  August 5, 2016 I came from a broken home when I was 13 years old. After spending my life with
numerous stepfathers who were physically and emotionally brutal to us, I was
placed in the Ettie Lee home in Fontana in 1969. My experience with living
beside my new brothers (15 of us lived there) who were from different races,
religions, and socio-economic backgrounds assisted me
to become the man who I am today. Learning to live and get along with
others, and how to live in a family environment were lessons that had lifelong
effects. I am now 60 years old with two children and six
grandchildren. I work in administration at a community college and have
been in higher education for the past 23 years. Thank you Ettie Lee for
showing me love when I didn’t even know what love was.”
David Pearse
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