According to Community Partners of Dallas President/CEO Joanna Clarke,
“As we approach year end, I am carrying our children in my heart. With 59% of our families living on a household income of less than $14,000 per year, they are struggling daily. There is so much need, and so many children that need our help.
“When 6-year-old Felix’s neighbor heard crying outside at her apartment complex, she never could have imagined what she was about to see. As she walked her dog around the corner, she stumbled upon tiny Felix lying on the second-floor landing of the stairwell. Felix whispered, ‘Please, Daddy, I can’t run anymore,’ through tears and gasps for air. Grabbing him by the back of his shirt, Felix’s father tossed him back on the stairs and yelled, ‘Another set, or you’re going to get it!’ Hearing how Felix struggled to breathe, the frightened neighbor quietly called the police for help.
“We met Felix and his caseworker in our emergency resource center, the Rainbow Room, after he was released from the hospital, where doctors treated his many injuries. We learned that, at just 6 years old, Felix’s father forced him to spend hours running relentless drills on the stairs of their building to ‘toughen him up.’ These drills often led to terrible falls as his tiny feet could barely reach the step ahead, time after time. Felix suffered head trauma, bruised ribs and broken bones that had been left to heal on their own.
“As our staff assembled an overflowing duffel bag of clothing, shoes and toys, little Felix slowly took a book out of the bag with an apprehensive smile. He hugged the copy of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ to his chest, his arms and legs speckled with scrapes and bruises. ‘I hope my new dad lets me read my books,’ Felix wished softly under his breath. His caseworker assured him that his new family wouldn’t need him to be tough—that he would be loved for exactly who he is and that there would always be books to read.
“Today, Felix is safe, but there are countless children in our community suffering at the hands of those who should love them the most.
“My wish is that the community would consider a gift today to protect children like Felix and help them build happy futures where they know they are safe and loved. Every dollar invested will make an impact and empower abused and neglected children to take their first steps toward healing.
“Thank you for being the one to prove to these children that they will be OK—that they will be safe. That someone does care. Your gift will make all the difference. We are truly thankful for your meaningful and steadfast support.”
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