It was the middle of the night when they left. Three sisters – the oldest barely 14 – ran out of their home in hopes of walking to the only safe place they knew: their aunt’s house, 86 miles away.

They didn’t know the address. They didn’t know the distance. They didn’t know the way. They only knew they had to get there.

They didn’t make it.

Hours later, they returned home, defeated, hoping to survive another day. Some time later, during a physical attack from their mother, the police intervened. Under the flashing blue light, she admitted her addiction and asked the police to take the kids to someone who could love and care for them.

That night, the girls finally made it to their aunt’s house – and Methodist Home for Children came in to welcome them too.

Life had been brutal for these girls and their trauma didn’t magically evaporate once they were safe.

So what happens next?

The long term goal is reunification – and while the mom has made great strides, she’s not yet stable enough to be the parent they need. Even though the girls are safe, they suffer still.

One sister carries shame from outward signs of physical abuse. She’s 17 now and worries that the kids at school mock and judge her. She’s been diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety; she has few friends and rarely socializes.

One sister maintains such a strong fight or flight reaction, she is frequently in trouble at school. She knows fighting is wrong but it’s hard to overcome the impulse – for years it was the skill that kept her alive.

And one sister deals with stress by scooping out and eating small amounts of deodorant. Giving in to her pica cravings is her way of coping with the lingering fear and distrust.

But they are together. A family. They have each other, they have us, and they have you.

You can help these girls heal.

With your help each sister will get the assistance she needs – to treat anxiety, overcome depression, understand acceptance, learn tolerance, feel grace, and find relief from the non-food cravings.

And with your help, all three will continue to live in a home free from family violence and fear.

They won’t make it without you.