I’m going to try not to cry while making this post.

Let’s start here — I’m a young mother, 26 years old, with 5 small children of my own. And while still navigating life and maintaining everything that comes with it, I took on the responsibility of caring for my nieces.

A little insight into our situation:

My oldest niece went to visit her stepdad. While in his care, she experienced some truly heartbreaking incidents. My family and I have been working extremely hard to bring the girls home. For two long years, he made it very difficult — cutting off communication and keeping them away.

Recently, we learned that he dropped my oldest niece off with a male friend and, for lack of better words, told her he didn’t want her to go with him. Then he left and went to Texas with my second niece, whom I am still trying to locate and bring into my care.

After being in that man’s care for about a week, my niece was dropped off at a youth shelter in Denver, Colorado. As soon as I found out, I made every call I could. I contacted the caseworker, got the proper guardianship papers, and once I got the okay — I gassed up, hit the road, and drove 15 hours straight.

And now… we’re here. I got my baby girl.

I’m so hurt that she had to go through all of this. She doesn’t have anything right now — she’s starting completely from scratch. She’s 12, turning 13 next week.

I’m asking all family, friends, and anyone who feels it in their heart — please help in any way you can. Resources, clothes, shoes, donations, anything helps. Big or small, old or new, we appreciate it all.

She’s safe, she’s loved, and she’s home now.

Thank you all so much for your love, support, and prayers.