Kelly's Story

“I know how to say 'no' now," Kelly pronounces. She admits being spoiled by her grandmother while she grew up. When that changed, she felt angry and hurt.

Abandoned as an infant, Kelly was raised by her grandmother. "She's an incredible lady and I know she still loves me," Kelly reflects. "My grandmother gave me everything and anything because she wanted to make up for what my mother wouldn't give me."

After starting school, Kelly's grandmother barely recognized the little girl she raised. Her language and behavior became ugly, even toward her grandmother. A lifestyle of always getting what she wanted taught Kelly that selfishness and rudeness were acceptable attitudes. "I wanted the world to know it owed me," she shares.

Soon, Kelly struck out against everyone in anger. Finally, her grandmother knew Kelly needed more help than she was getting at home. That's when she came to Mount Dora Children's Home. "I didn't want her to leave, but I also didn't want her in jail. I knew that's where Kelly was heading when she got older if we didn't get her some help now," confesses her grandmother.

Today, Kelly is a different girl. She is thriving under the structure at Mount Dora Children's Home. The discipline and direction were tough at first, but now they are a constant in her young life. While she still struggles with the occasional bout of selfishness, Kelly is learning how to say "no" and exercise better self-control.

"Mount Dora has taught me I can be a better person and that stuff doesn't make you that person. My houseparents have helped me believe I want to be a person that people like," Kelly comments.

While her grades and attitude are improving, a healthier self-image better defines this special young lady today. "When MawMaw wouldn't buy me something, or let me do something, I'd hit and cuss and break things," she admits, "Now, I've learned how to control my anger and understand my limits. I've learned a lot." While Kelly has made remarkalbe progress, she knows there is much she still needs to learn. Today, however, she's ready and willing to make the changes to be the young lady she believes God wants her to be.

Ready Cassie's Story

Read Nancy's Story