December 9, 2015
She was far too young to be wandering the streets alone.
At age 11, Shelby lost both parents and her baby sister in a car crash. The courts sent her to live with her aunt, the only the family she had left—who turned out to be physically abusive.
So Shelby ran away. She fled downtown where she could roam undetected on the streets. She never went to school, and she learned to survive alongside friends who had run away from homes like her own.
It wasn’t an easy life. She was always hungry and slept in alleyways or— when there was room—youth homeless shelters. She made enough money to live on by stealing small items and selling them. At least, she did up until the day it got her arrested.
When the police found out who Shelby was and returned her to her aunt, her aunt wanted nothing to do with her. But fortunately, a kind neighbor told Shelby about Mercy Home.
Living at Mercy Home was a whole new world for Shelby. It wasn’t easy to adjust to a schedule, three meals a day, or authority. Still, slowly but surely, the now 13-year-old is making progress.
“At first I didn’t think I could do it,” she said. “I fought with staff and all the other girls, and I didn’t want to do anything anyone thought they could make me do.”
Getting back in school was the hardest step for Shelby. She had been out for more than a year and was not just one but two grades behind for her age. However, Mercy Home found a school that could give her the individual attention she needed to get back on track and after-school tutors in every subject to speed the process.
“I was really scared of being so far behind, but I feel like I’m catching up to where I need to be,” she said. “I’ve been getting good grades so I know I can do this.”
She has also made strides in improving her attitude. When Shelby came to Mercy Home, she was used to forcing her way into everything she needed. It took her a while to understand that basic daily necessities would simply be given to her—and if she needed anything like clothing or hygiene supplies, all she had to do was ask.
Trusting people, too, has been hard. When she lived with her aunt, Shelby had no idea when she might be hit next and lived in constant fear that it could be any moment. Things were just as bad on the streets—she knew all too well that no one would ever know if someone hurt her.
But caring staff members, always available to lend an ear and support Shelby in overcoming her struggles, have helped her take advantage of this second chance and change her mind that no one can be trusted. She’s realized she can do what they ask because she knows it won’t bring her harm.
“Everyone’s been really nice to me. It’s been kind of hard to get used to, but I think I can live with it,” she laughed.
The support of friends like you brings a second chance and new beginnings to children like Shelby, who learn they are able to heal from even the worst trauma and abuse. Your loving friendship can be the difference between a life spent on the streets and a life in the arms of a safe, warm, and loving community here at Mercy Home. Thank you for giving kids like Shelby a second chance.
Please note: Because we care deeply about protecting the privacy of our boys and girls, we have changed the name used in this story, as well as certain identifying details.
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