01/01/2026
What a year. Looking @ just this video alone, let alone ALL of them, We can see the progress. This time last year we were still having to prompt or offer suggestions to get them busy doing SOMETHING. Be it play, do a puzzle, ride the bike etc. Now??? They are like little ants scurrying about doing this, doing that. Initiating play, coming up with socio dramatic play scenarios, talking about shared traumas..you name it.
With the age ranges , ability ranges, emotional regulations ranging from emerging to dang near mastery, you'd think there would be constant squabling over choices of play or fighting happening over disagreements.
There isnt. 🤷♀️
The concept of family, being part of a TEAM whose sole focus is on recovery, the no man left behind mantra, the ZERO TOLERANCE for bullies or aggression, being transparent & accountable, the no secrets (arlow will have to fess up to his mistakes same as tristan will share his) and Most importantly.. we do not hurt the ones we love bc family is EVERYTHING. We work together. We learn new things..from algebra to loading a dishwasher, making own meals, using a microwave, closing our mouthes and using our brains, to HOW to form AND maintain healthy relationships.
All that sounds as if we were working with neurotypical, untraumatized kids eh???
Exactly.
Out goes the train table and in comes a futon.
Out goes the kiddie chairs and in comes the gaming/tv room. Yup. We have been a screen free program since the beginning. However. With kids being here for up to 24 hours, im Totally cool seeing our lovely cabin being lit up @ night, listening to Sami & Keegan cheering and complaining about the game they are watching, vermont in the middle of it drawing dinosaurs, Livy cutting out flowers & coloring them or Tristan trying to teach these kids as the principal of their made up school or all the laughter when Sami takes over as dj. They dont even realize I'm outside listening but there isnt a single thing to "correct". No one is being mean or condescending. Tv choice and language is appropriate. Lisa doesnt understand instructions? No problem , Principal Tristan takes the time to explain. Its, its almost unbelievable. Our regularly scheduled program is amazing. 100% progress. EVERYONE is growing. But yall, them BK2 AFTER HOURS?? That's when alot of the magic happens. Imagine a better RDI scenario than 24 hours together? Its hysterical how once the sun goes down I become Christy..not MISS Christy . That matters. They spend time @ Dani's as well. Mingling in her family day to day and taking over mine.
We didnt just tell ya'll we would help. We've helped. Did not just make promises of improvement. We delivered. And most importantly, we dont just tell our BK2 FAM we love them. We SHOW you all we love you. We use our own friendship to show them HOW to love. And when I tell you these kids love each other?? They LOVE each other. Our own little rascals. Or Sandlot/Goonies 2025. 🤣
They feel it too. They are as proud of themselves as we are.
We have loved all of this year. Not the meetings, begging for $, being disappointed & discriminated against by the healthcare & public school system, fighting the ponzi of private health insurance etc But any and All the moments we've shared with our band of misfits, as well as you guys.
Thank you for trusting us.
My end of year rant lol.
In all seriousness, I am also amazed @ how Dani QV and I have kept a self funded, year with no pay, entire organization afloat. We have a mission. We dont give up. This year , along with academics and the heavy press on accountability & regulation, INDEPENDENCE will be a big part of our focus. All our "babies" are growing up. As this happens our Expectations of them should grow as well. Be it not taking advantage of their earned freedoms, self care, daily living, time management, organizational skills etc etc.
Years 1 & 2 were fantastic. Lets make year THREE the best one yet!
Thanks also to those from our community that have helped us along the way this year!
Penland Christmas tree farm for Giving usthe most beautiful tree Ive ever seen
Konrad @ Tractor Supply for all the pumpkins
Vanessa Big Fireworks for all the boom booms lol
Tender Hearts York & corporate for giftcards & welcoming our kids
More trash removal for picking up our trash Every month
Dollar General for knowing our kids names!
Papa Johns Pizza liberty street for the 50% discount & delivering out of range
@ Upstate Piediatrics for giving us Ms.Danielle
And to South Pointe HS, York School District 1 and the amazing Mary Gump
Ernest Adams & Jean Adams for the land & "community center"/ "my"house
Katie Adams Propst & Newport Vet clinic for taking care of our babies
Tree 9 Service for all the work
Kevin Mcnamara for the TV & gaming stick
Zach Knecht for the start up funds & that 100$ weve been passing back n forth on cash app All year.
Marie @ Miriam Medical center in Rock Hill for Always taking care of Blooming Kids!
Happy New year everyone!!
