Burton Cottage

“I have to learn the word ‘no’ now,” Kristin pronounces. She admits being spoiled by her grandmother while she grew up. When that changed, she felt angry and hurt.

Abandoned as an infant by her mother, Kristin was raised by her grandmother. “She is an incredible lady and I know she still loves me,” Kristin reflects, “She gave me anything and everything I wanted because she wanted to make up for what my mother wouldn’t give me.”

As Kristin grew into her teens, her 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 had taught Kristin selfishness and rudeness. “I wanted the world to know it owed me,” she shares.

Kristin struck out against everyone in her anger. Finally, her grandmother knew she needed help. That’s when she came to Mount Dora Children’s Home. “I didn’t want her to go, but I also didn’t want her in jail. I knew that’s where Kristin was heading if we didn’t get her some help,” states her grandmother.

Kristin has changed. She thrives in the structure at Mount Dora Children’s Home. The discipline and direction provided by her houseparents has become a consistent beacon for her. While she still struggles with bouts of selfishness, Kristin is learning how to say ‘no’ and exercise self-control.

“Mount Dora has taught me I can be a better person, someone people like, without all the stuff I thought I needed to make them like me before,” Kristin comments.

Her grades and attitude are improving, her self-esteem is stronger and her anger is under control. “Before, when MawMaw wouldn’t buy me something or let me do something, I’d hit and cuss and break things,” she admits. “Now, I like myself better and I’ve learned a lot.” While Kristin has made remarkable progress, she knows there is much she still needs to learn. Today, she’s ready and wants to improve.

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