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Epping Family Heart Camp

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Our family is reaching out for your support. Twelve years ago, we welcomed  3 beautiful children through adoption. They were then 6 months, 1 ½ yrs. and 2 ½ yrs. Over the years, we shared our love and welcomed them with open arms as part of our family. Little did we know that our love would not be enough. The trauma, neglect, and abuse they had experienced deeply affect their lives and choices every day. We are struggling daily to respond to our kids’ needs. Our family is struggling in many ways.

Prior to being adopted, our children experienced severe neglect, along with severe physical, emotional and sexual abuse. It has only been through intense counseling, that we’ve come to realize the only constant in their lives was the smell of urine! The older two continue to experience the after effects of high lead levels. The youngest was born addicted; sugar is her now cocaine. She also struggles a lot in school. Each of these children feel unworthy of love and fear rejection by Jim and I as their parents. Such a mixture of emotions emerges as each child acts out with deep anger and rage toward themselves and others around them. As a result of all this, the kids have very few friends and our family feels very isolated. Jim and I continue to desperately search for ways to help each child heal and support their growth and development.

Despite receiving traditional therapy and treatment weekly, our children continue to struggle to overcome their early childhood neglect and trauma. As a family, we have been stretched emotionally and financially to provide the support our children need to thrive at home, school and in the community. We ask you to please read on and consider offering financial support.

Just over a year ago, our family discovered Healing Pathways. Healing Pathways, a 501(c)(3) was created by a group of community mental health professionals in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, dedicated to providing awareness, acceptance, advancement and answers.  In August, Healing Pathways would like to send 20 local families to Family Heart Camp, where children and parents come together to learn relationship and nonviolent, compassionate communication skills.  After attending Family Heart Camp, children have reported more satisfaction with expressing their needs and display more positive behaviors at home. If you’re interested in more in-depth information regarding camp, it can be found at familyheartcamp.org.

We need your financial support to make this dream a reality. Your consideration to sponsor our family to be able to attend Family Heart Camp will make a significant impact in the life of our children. The cost is $595 per child or $3600 for our entire family to attend and participate in all seminars, interventions and activities for the entire week.  Your support can touch lives and make a difference. We know that healing  can happen with your support.  If you feel called or compelled to help it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your support. If you can help us financially, that would be fantastic! If not, please keep us in your prayers as we move forward each day.
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $100 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer

Sheryl Ruberg Epping
Organizer
Lakeside Park, KY

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