By the time Tabitha was 14 years old, she had entered the foster care system for the third time. Born with a visual impairment, she never felt understood or respected after years of moving from one home to the next. It was a never-ending cycle until she arrived at the Pat O’Neal Youth Emergency Shelter.  

On day one at the shelter, ACH staff worked on building trust with Tabitha. They made sure to meet all of her basic needs and let her know that she had people on her side. When she arrived at the Robert and Jane Ferguson Residential Treatment Center, Tabitha got the attention she yearned for when she participated in the program’s annual talent show. Finally, having a safe place where she could express herself without feeling judged changed her outlook on life. Later she entered the Wedgwood Transitional Living Program, a home for youth to practice life skills, receive therapy, and complete their high school education.

The love and support Tabitha received at ACH was a lifeline after years of feeling neglected. Now she is back living at home and hopes to make it big as a singer.