Stories of Life Change
- CCHO
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Every day children are experiencing transformation at CCHO through the amazing staff and the healing power of God. We wanted to share a few moments of life-change experienced by the children living on campus.
FAITH
Each day, the girls are encouraged to share something they did well. On this particular day, one girl, Faith, was having a hard time thinking of anything. Without hesitation, another girl spoke up to affirm her: “I think Faith does a lot of things well!” That moment sparked a wave of encouragement from the others— “Faith is really respectful!” and “Faith listens well to others!”
It was a beautiful and healing moment. The girls reminded each other of their worth and the positive impact they have on those around them.
ARCHIE
The campus pastor was conducting a Bible study on Matthew chapter 6 where Jesus teaches us to pray. As the pastor was finishing up, one of the boys, Archie, spoke up with tears glistening in his eyes, "I pray for my grandpa every day." He then wiped his tears and went back to eating his breakfast.
Archie's grandfather was a pastor and recently passed away. Archie really looked up to his grandpa, and it was a devastating loss. Archie talks about his grandfather regularly and even wears a suit to chapel every single Friday in remembrance of going to his grandfather's church and everyone wearing 'church' clothes.
Archie was able to get a suit through our partnership with The Caring Closet. The founder of Caring Closet went out of her way to purchase not 1, but 3 suits for Archie. These suits have served as a precious reminder and comfort for Archie as he learns to cope with life without his grandpa. Moral of the story - you never know what a simple gift can do in the life of a child. And God can use anything and anyone in his story of redemption.
ALICE
When Alice first arrived on campus, she made it clear she didn’t want to be here. She really became upset upon learning that a male staff member worked in her cottage. Despite reassurances from other staff that he was a positive role model, a kind and trustworthy person, and that the cottage had cameras to ensure everyone’s safety, Alice remained distressed.
Ultimately, it was decided that a different placement would be a better fit for Alice, and she discharged from our program. But before leaving, Alice wrote heartfelt letters to many of our staff—one in particular to the male staff member. In it, she shared, “In all of my seven residentials, you have been the one to show me that not all men are bad.” Her letter was long, emotional, and full of gratitude for the impact he had on her healing journey.
Despite her early challenges, Alice experienced many successes during her time here and left with a sincere and touching goodbye.
CALEB
Caleb was recently discharged from CCHO after an incredible journey of healing. When he first arrived last year, he was angry, hurt, and struggled to trust—especially women. He dealt with severe feelings of abandonment and low self-worth.
Over time, our team, especially Amanda, patiently built a bond with him and helped him begin to trust again. Caleb did not like to be vulnerable and so would discretely ask for Amanda at bedtime. She’d read him a story-while giving him head scratches, then tuck him in like a burrito.
But Caleb still had a strong sense of abandonment. Never fully trusting staff and not allowing them to get too close. He would not accept a hug from Amanda. Ever.
Caleb recently learned a foster home had been found for him. He came back from a visit full of wonder, amazement, and excitement. He had a sparkle in his eyes again. It was like a river of life began to flow through his body. The biggest milestone came when Caleb, for the first time in over a year, asked Amanda for a hug. That simple moment showed just how far he’s come. Amanda says, "A year and a half later...and he finally trusted me!" It just took consistent care, patience and love.
Caleb is learning to trust, to love, and to be loved. We’re so proud of his courage and growth! And so excited for his future with a loving foster home.
