The Roundup May/June 2011 - Cal Farley's

Markavia Hubbard“I’ve known my dad for 12 years,” Markaviaexplained of her trying beginnings. She wasplaced in foster care at age three, at which time theofficials were able to locate her father and informhim that he had a daughter. Soon thereafter, hereceived custody of her and she said goodbye toher three sisters.She had a rough time adjusting when she firstarrived at Girlstown three years ago. “This wassomewhere I could go to better my life,” sheexplained. “I have a whole new life now. Theyhave treated me really good and I am so happy tobe where I am today.”Markavia plans to become a nurse and serve inthe Army as an officer.“They are very thoughtful. It’s so amazing that theycan donate money to help kids. Without it, I know Iwouldn’t be going anywhere.” – Cheyanne DelgadoTyler LevickHayleigh SteadmanTyler plans to return home toHouston and attend college tostudy criminal justice. She wantsto become a juvenile probationofficer because, “I want to helpkids who experience a similarsituation,” she said.She explained that her timeat Girlstown has made a bigimpact on her life. “I was aboutto fail everything. I had prettymuch given up. Girlstown hashelped me to better deal withmy problems. It’s going to helpme to help my sister, too.”Hayleigh arrived at Girlstown in her 6thgrade year. She and her seven siblings weretaken away from their mother at a youngage. Shortly thereafter her grandmotherpassed away.“I was so depressed and lost and justsad. Girlstown has supported me andhelped me get through it. It took me untilmy sophomore year, but I finally kicked it in gear and starteddoing well.”She has excelled in academics and is graduating with honors. Thisyear, she received several recognitions including the PresidentialEducation Award, Accelerated English IV Award and the WhitefaceCitizenship Award.Shelby was 15 when she came to live atGirlstown three years ago. “My hardestobstacle was when my dad passedaway,” she shared. “The Girlstown staffwouldn’t let me give up. They alwaysdropped everything for me. Theymotivated me, supported me, helpedme to cope and they helped me toovercome. They taught me to see howmuch I can succeed in life. Now, I ammore confident in myself. I am glad I had a chance to be here.”Shelby plans to become a surgical technologist and will attendcollege on a Cal Farley’s scholarship.Cheyanne DelgadoShelby SudduthCheyanne came to Girlstownafter serving a few months ata juvenile detention center.Beforehand, she had failedseventh grade and wasregularly in truancy court. “Ibasically quit going to schooland started doing more drugs.”Cheyanne had four creditswhen she arrived one yearand four months ago. Inthat small amount of time,the educational support shereceived helped her catch upand complete high school.She said her house parents, the Warrens, have been an integralfacet in her success. “I’ve never had strong role models before andthem just being there and encouraging me has helped so much.They have shown me that I am worth a lot more than I thought Iwas. Here is the first place that nobody has given up on me. Thiswas my last chance. I was very blessed to have Girlstown.”Cheyanne plans to become a substance abuse counselor.Brittany McEachernBrittany was getting into a lot of trouble andhanging out with the wrong crowd. She wasdating a 23-year-old man and her parents wereworried sick.Her transition to Girlstown was a little rockybut she has done well and has consistentlyprogressed. She will now graduate on time andshe plans to attend Wayland Baptist Universityafter she leaves Girlstown.“My time here has been meaningful,” she said.“I am glad I came.”Note to DonorsNote to Donors“If it weren’t for them there would be no Girlstown,and Girlstown is my home.” – Brittany McEachern10