Our darling daughter, Riley, came to us as one of our first foster placements when she was just 7 months old. Many people believe that if you adopt a baby from foster care, they are spared the lasting impacts of trauma. Unfortunately, that is not entirely true.
While in her mother’s womb Riley was exposed to harmful substances and toxic stress. In her first seven months, she was severely neglected and in an environment saturated with domestic violence. We love and care for Riley’s birth mom, and know she did what she could with the life circumstances she was dealt…a former foster child herself.
That early trauma rewired Riley’s forming brain in some ways that cannot be repaired, and she lives with an invisible brain-based disability called FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder). The early attachment wounds also caused RAD (reactive attachment disorder). Her genetic inheritance combined with complex trauma has led to additional diagnoses of DMDD (Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder), Autism, ADHD, Anxiety and PTSD. This “alphabet soup” of difficulties has led to very difficult mental health and behavioral challenges for Riley since she was three. She has participated in MANY types of therapy, tried many meds with the help of a psychiatrist, and has worked so hard to try to overcome these challenges.
Sadly, this past March we hit a point of crisis for Riley, as she became increasingly violent and unable to function safely in our home. Her mental health team recommended that her best option for healing is a 9-12 month residential trauma treatment program. We had been trying for years to avoid that outcome. No one wants their child to live apart from them for a whole year. Residential treatment is a last resort, because it is taking a child out of their home for a time, and it is extremely expensive.
Here’s where God steps in… When we were feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, He showed us that HE would open the doors to what Riley needs. He is such a good, good Father!
Riley was accepted into an excellent program…the best in the state, I believe! She moved in on June 2nd to start her 9-12 month program. She has the BEST team of therapists and staff. They love the children so well, and they are laser focused on helping her heal to the best of her ability. She is on a new medication protocal that I feel very hopeful about. Carl and I get to spend every Saturday afternoon with her for family therapy and a visit. In addition to group, individual, family, equine and music therapy…every moment of her day she is surrounded by trauma-competent and compassionate providers. Praise God!
We have been reminded that Riley’s trauma does not define who she is, or what is in store for her future!
Here’s the ask…
This program is incredibly expensive. The Medicaid she receives as a child adopted from foster care covers all of her medical and therapuetic costs, but the additional per diem for her care is $200/day.
To be transparent, this past year has been a very hard one for our family. In addition to Riley’s crisis, Carl also had a mental health crisis and stepped back from pastoring. He is so thankful for his new job, but the time off to heal drained our limited savings, and our income is now much less than it had been.
We’ve already exhausted PASSS funding from the state, help from Anne’s parents, a generous grant from Anne’s employer, and some help that Cuyahoga County was able to give us. LifeSong for Orphans also gave us a direct grant, and has offered an $8,000 matching grant on this fundraising campaign! Wow!!!
Our remaining need is $30,000.
That is a big number, but we serve a big God, and are trusting that He might lead our friends and family to step in and help us raise as much as possible to keep Riley in the program as long as we can….Hopefully until she is able to graduate successfully and return home in June.
Will you prayerfully consider partnering with us by making a gift, big or small? Your gifts go through this portal into our LifeSong for Orphans account, and are then paid to CCHO. They are a 501c3 non-profit, and all gifts are tax deductible.
We are eternally grateful for your support.
Anne & Carl Pace
STRIPE charges an online processing fee (2.2% +.30 USD per transaction)*. Your donations will be decreased by this amount. You may also send a check payable to “Lifesong for Orphans”. In the memo line please write “Pace 90774”, to ensure it is credited to our account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 9, Gridley, IL 61744.
Lifesong has been blessed with partners who underwrite all U.S. administrative and fundraising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the adoption.
- In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to Lifesong for Orphans. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use.
- Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Individual donations of $50 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $50 will gladly be sent upon request.
- *3.5% fee for donations given with an American Express card
