Children's Home Society of Washington serves over 39,000 individuals throughout the state of Washington. From foster children in Wenatchee, to adoptive parents in Seattle, to children in enrolled in early learning programs in Walla Walla, our programs and services provide help and hope to those who need us. Below are a few of their stories.
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Former resident of our Auburn boys home leaves lasting legacy to CHSW
Lewis Crecelius, formber resident of a boys home operated by Children's Home Society of Washington in the 1930s, recently paid us a visit to reminisce about his experience growing up with 30 other young children in a group orphanage in Auburn.
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A veteran parent with a passion for advocacy speaks up for incarcerated parents trying to get their children back.
In 2009 Alise Hegle's world was falling apart. At age 25, she was addicted to methamphetamines. She found herself pregnant and unable to care for a child. When her daughter Rebekah was born, Child Protective Services intervened and placed her in foster care. Alise, who was looking at a seven year prison sentence, received the gift of a lifetime — the opportunity to go to treatment and forgo incarceration. This was the chance she needed to get her daughter back and to prevent her parental rights from being terminated. Without hesitation, she accepted.
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Former Cobb resident credits Children's Home Society for the man he is today
When Luk Blackwell was 8 years old, he entered Children's Home Society of Washington's Cobb Center for Youth. For Luk, the healing process began the day he arrived.
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My Adoption Story
In her own words, read one adoptee's amazing story about her journey to locate her birth mother and father through the help of Children's Home Society of Washington's Search and Reunion department.
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A difficult but rewarding journey towards reunification with her daughter
Shrounda's battle with drug dependency resulted in her daughter's removal and placement in foster care. Learn about how she turned her life around and reunited with her daughter, as well as her important work with CHSW initiative Catalyst for Kids serving as a voice for parents.
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Former Cobb Center for Youth resident reflects on his stay
At age 8, Anthony Godoy entered the Cobb Center for Youth residential program in Seattle. He was 8 years old. Under the protective and supportive guidance of the counselors, Anthony developed a foundation for success that has stayed with him through his adult life.
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King County mom with a passion for early education receives Early Head Start services for her young daughter
Joey Stearns first learned about Children's Home Society of Washington while taking classes at Green River Community College. She enrolled her daughter, Melinda, in the Early Head Start program at the Child Development Center to prepare her for Kindergarten.
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Foster parent who cannot imagine her life before fostering
Erika and Brent Thompson have brought 9 children all under the age of 10 into their home since they began fostering 2 years ago, and four additional children for respite care. Learn about their experience – and how fostering brings out the best in their family.
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A parent of the child welfare system helps others trying to get their kids back
Dave Taub is a role model, father, and advocate for parents' rights. Dave knows firsthand what it's like to have the state remove your child from your home. He knows because it happened to him.
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A story of community and support
In her own words, read Red Monroe's story recounting the 17 years of support she received from the North Seattle Family Center. Because of the skills and resources she received, Red was able to rise above poverty, abuse and homelessness, and make a life for herself.
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