ABIGAIL

The story below is true.  Permission to share was granted, however the names have been changed. This article is also a collaboration with several of SRCF charities and co-authored by Jessica Stanfield, Director of ANA’s Friends.

In the morning she was asked how she had slept.
Oh, very badly!” said she. “I have scarcely closed my eyes all night. Heaven only knows what was in the bed, but I was lying on something hard, so that I am black and blue all over my body. It’s horrible! – The Princess and the Pea, Hans Christian Andersen

Abigail is a six-year-old whose life was marked by uncertainty and hardship. She had endured severe neglect, often sleeping directly on the floor or on a piece of cardboard. Her story is one of resilience and hope amidst a trauma-filled past. 

When Abigail’s circumstances were revealed, she was removed from her living environment, located in Lee County, into a safe foster home.  During this transition she was asked what she wanted to feel safe, comfortable and happy upon entering foster care. This is what she wrote.

Thanks to your generous support of and donations to the Spring Run Charitable Foundation, several of our charities were able to: 

• provide her with a brand-new bed and cozy bedding,
• assist Abigal’s foster family with the services of community partners and agencies so they have access to valuable resources and support systems, 
• assure Abigail’s foster family received assistance with food supplies, ensuring their pantry is always stocked with nutritious meals, 
• and secure educational opportunities for all the children in the home, providing access to tutoring and enrichment programs that will aid in their academic growth and development.

This story highlights and is one example of the importance of collaboration among SRCF’s charities.  By partnering with Spring Run Charitable Foundation and a local network of funded partners, comprehensive care addresses both immediate needs and long-term well-being of the whole person and/or family.  With the collective effort of various community partners, we can ensure that Abigail and her foster family are supported in every aspect of their lives, from having a safe place to sleep to thriving in their educational journeys.  Together, we can make a world of difference, one child at a time, one family at a time. It is comforting to know that the SRCF charities have help create a safe, comfortable and clean environment for Abigail even if there may not be a pea under the mattress for this princess. 

Look forward to the next edition of NOTR to learn how SRCF charities work together, to pool resources, share expertise, and network, to create a more significant impact on the lives of those they serve in Lee and Collier Counties.