Every morning, seven-year-old Mary sat at the window, watching the other children gather at the bus stop. She dreamed of joining them at school, but Mary had to stay at home.

Mary had to take care of her three younger siblings – all under the age of four – because when their mother was not yelling and throwing things, she spent most of her time passed out on the couch, high and drunk. Mary was afraid that if she told anyone about her mother’s problems, she would be separated from her siblings.

Someone else reported the abuse and neglect at Mary’s house, and Mary and her siblings were removed from their home – but they weren’t lost in the system. Mary’s family was assigned a volunteer Advocate. Susan stepped in and spoke to the judge about a wonderful adoptive family for Mary and all her siblings.

Mary and her siblings are still together, but Mary no longer carries the burden of having to feed and clothe them. Now she walks to the bus stop everyday, while her adoptive mom blows kisses at her from the driveway. She loves going to school, learning new things, and playing with children her age. 

Mary’s story is true, and there are hundreds of children like her. Become a volunteer Advocate and change a child’s life today.