Good News was to be involved with the family every step of the way ensuring they had the necessary coping skills, communication skills and other things that some may take for granted. “My whole goal was to see that the kids were returned to a safe and stable environment and never removed again,” said Sara. “The family needed to know they could succeed on their own once I was no longer there.” While Sara has been gone from Sandpoint for a long time, she does return occasionally to visit those who have made such a difference in her life. She has even been a guest speaker at the Kinderhaven’s Festival of Trees annual fundraiser to share with the crowd how their support can change a life. “Kinderhaven was a steadfast support for me,” said Sara who also said that she is very grateful to Barb Merritt who has been a good and supportive friend to her not only when she was at Kinderhaven but for all the years that followed as well. She considers people like Barb and the other girls she lived with at Kinderhaven her family. “I miss that family component,” said Sara. “I was very lucky and feel very blessed to have been at Kinderhaven.” Sara recently took a new job, moving from Michigan to another part of the country, where she is employed in an On-going Child Protective Services Unit. Instead of going into the home following reunification as before, Sara’s new role is to work with the family before a child is removed. “I come into the home when there is a grey area – when there are concerns but not enough to remove the child,” said Sara who works with a particular family from anywhere from three to nine months in her new role. Sara believes she would not be the person she is today if it weren’t for the staff, volunteers and friends at Kinderhaven who helped her through the most difficult time in her life. She said each time there was a court hearing regarding her care, it felt good to know the staff and the fellow residents were always there for her providing support.
living
“You grow up overnight. I was in a mindset that I could take care of myself because I always had to,” said Sara. “But they were always checking in with me making sure I took care of myself mentally and physically. They provided a firm hand to help me when I needed it and a loving place that was very homey.” She recalls with laughter the dinners she and the other Kinderhaven residents would share, many of whom she still keeps in contact with. “Some of my best memories from childhood were at Kinderhaven,” said Sara. “We were each other’s family when no one else wanted us. We’ll always be there for each other.” While Sara said the career she has chosen is emotionally challenging at times, every once in awhile there is a family that comes along that reminds her why she is doing what she does. “I never anticipated being here, but it is where God wanted me to be,” said Sara.
Sandpoint ChriStian SChool
Come and Enjoy Kinderhaven’s Festival of Trees! All Events Are at the Sandpoint Business and Events Center Family Night: December 5th, 4-6:30pm. Free and open to the public. Visit with Santa and enjoy some holiday treats! Holiday Luncheon: December 6th, 11:30am-1pm. This is sold out! Gala: December 7th, 5:30pm. Sponsor Table: $1000 Individual ticket: $75. For tickets call or email Jacinda Bokowy at 208.610.2208 or jbokowy@mac.com. Would you like to donate a tabletop tree, wreath or gift basket? Contact Jacinda today!
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Now Enrolling K-8! • Christian education and atmosphere • Teacher mentoring and guidance • Wider course selection with individualization • School Activities–P. E. art, music, field trips and science labs • Flexibility for dual enrollment with North Idaho College
477954 Highway 95 | Ponderay, Idaho 208.265.2697 office@sandpointchristian.com www.sandpointchristian.com
November 2013 | Sandpoint Living Local 11