My name is Cynthia Park, formerly Cynthia Ewing.  I was a resident of your program many years ago, back when you still had residents.  I don't know why but every so often I have the urge to contact you and to thank you again for all you did for me.
I was a run away from California.  I was with a young man whose family lived there in Mercer.  We had barely made it to Mercer when he was arrested.  I was there for a couple more months, with his family, before the authorities figured out where I was and I was picked up.
I came from a very abusive family who chose to leave me there with you after learning of my whereabouts.  You, and your program, CHANGED MY LIFE.
It was the first time in my life that I felt loved.
The first time I was allowed to cry.
The first time I felt accepted.
I don't remember exact names, I couldn't even tell you for sure how old I was.  I think I was probably 14 or 15.  I will always remember how "Mrs. B" would always introduce me as her visitor from California.  Not the despicable person I thought I was.  I remember too asking her one day, in her office, if I could "steal" a piece of candy from the bowl on her desk, and her telling me, "No, you can't steal one, but, you may have one."  She always treated me with such love.
I remember there being a couple there somewhere who would host all of us kids to their ranch and that they gave us each our very own can of Pringles.  Silly I know but, that meant so much to me.  We were valuable, more valuable than just a bowl of generic chips.  They bought us our very own can.  I kept that can for a very long time.
I remember the home taking us to see Glen Campbell.  That was a dream come true for me because I always fantasized that Glen Campbell was my dad.  That the mean, hateful man that was really my father was not and that this handsome, kind appearing, gentle man was my father.  I was touched in a way that would be difficult to express.
I remember someone teaching me to sew in some room way upstairs.
I remember telling someone about my gay mother and being totally empathized with AND accepted.
I remember being taught how to cook...how to clean...how to share in the responsibilities of a house, even when I didn't want to : )
Mostly, I remember being allowed to cry.  I was never allowed to cry before.  I spent a great deal of my time there crying.
I just think that we go through life blaming our past and people in it and forget to THANK THOSE THAT MADE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE.  I don't ever want that opportunity to pass.  I want you to know, that though I went through many, many hard years in my life, I still have issues.  I became a foster parent, had dozens of foster kids, even adopted one.  I started a Family Resource Center in the small town I lived in.  I was instrumental in the development of two Family Enrichment Centers.  I've sat on the boards of the Child Abuse Prevention Council, Shared Leadership, and CASA and am currently completely consumed with BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse).
I am 50 years old now and have 6 granddaughters.
I thank you every time you come across my mind, for giving me a foundation for giving back to other children that need support and for giving me enough value of myself to continue to try and do things better and believe that I deserve better.
YOU HAD A TREMENSOUS IMPACT ON MY LIFE!
I have no doubt that you are continuing to impact children's lives and I want you to know that what you do has long term impact on young lives.
Thank you again, with all that I am.

Sincerely,
Cyndi (aka Trip)


Former residents, feel free to contact CAS with your testimonials.  You are a part of us!