CARE Stories

Growing up Natalie lacked a stable home life and dependable role models. At 16 years old, Natalie found herself making bad decisions and she became

Often when people think of foster care, children’s homes, and residential care, the first thing that comes to mind is the separation of a child

I can accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan For the first time in a few years,

If you had met the Conroy family a year ago, they would have looked like your average family — Mom, Dad, and three wild and

If the walls of Doug Gray Cottage, one of Epworth’s cottages that houses young men ages 15-18, could talk, there are hundreds of stories it

The things that stand out most from our childhood influence who we become as adults. Our memories are our treasures. Maybe it is the way

We often hear reminders on social media of the quote of the late Fred Rogers, “Look for the helpers, you will always find people who

Years ago there was a movie called the Gift of the Magi. The movie was based on a story about a poor young wife who

This Christmas, as you are preparing your gift list, I ask that you remember to include the children who call Epworth home. Children like Tyler.*

As summer nears its end, I ask you to remember the children of Epworth as they begin a new school year.  The Epworth academic program

Steven is the youngest boy in the middle school cottage this year, but he is one of the tallest boys in the cottage.  He is

This Christmas, as you are preparing your gift list, I ask that you remember to include the children who call Epworth home. Children like Amelia.*

Logan came to Epworth last summer because within a year, both of his parents lost their jobs and later their home. The family was homeless, jobless and hopeless as they lived out of the family van. As things spiraled out of control, Logan was placed at Epworth.

Epworth recently received a phone call from a community member looking for help. The caller informed us that she just found out that a 19 year-old girl, and former foster child, Ally, was homeless.

As summer nears its end, I ask you to remember the children of Epworth as they begin a new school year. The Epworth academic program is committed to serving every child who comes to Epworth. For each child we provide them with the clothes and materials needed to be prepared and confident in the classroom from day one and then support them every day throughout the year.

When Alton first was placed at Epworth, he was very guarded and withdrawn. This type of behavior is typical for a child whose parents have been struggling to provide for a child for some time. His parents needed some time and space to put their lives together, so Alton came to Epworth.

Natalie’s mother struggles with addictions and as a result is not able to care for her daughter. At first, Natalie’s grandmother was able to provide care for Natalie and her three siblings (including one with special needs) but as she entered her teenage years providing for Natalie, the oldest granddaughter, became more difficult.

This Christmas, as you are preparing your gift list, I ask that you remember to include the children who call Epworth home. Children like Ryan.*

Caleb’s parents often argued and used vulgar language in front of their son. Over time they moved beyond verbal and emotional abuse, to physical abuse. When the authorities became involved, Caleb was removed from the home by the Department of Social Services and placed at Epworth.

Just a few weeks ago, Trevor* rode along in the backseat of the car to begin his second year of college. He had looked forward to college move-in day all summer while living at Epworth and working his part-time job in Columbia.

Providing academic support to children who have experienced abuse, neglect and loss is a not a “one-size-fits-all” task. It takes a daily commitment to give each child the individualized support he or she needs. Support for children like Alisha, Eddie and Anthony.

Nathan arrived at Epworth around Christmas bringing with him anger and hurt. Nathan was often left at home without adult care, nurturing, or supervision. Because of this, Nathan learned to find his own way in the world and make his own rules, losing the opportunity to be a little boy.

When Lance* arrived at Epworth about four years ago, he was living with his grandmother who had raised him since he was a child. As the years passed, however, his needs became more than his grandmother could provide and she reached out to Epworth for help.

About a year ago Tim* transitioned out of Epworth’s care and into the real world after spending most of his teen years at Epworth. Like most young adults this step in life was met with a mixture of excitement and anxiety but Tim’s experience at Epworth had been preparing him for that moment.

For the last number of years, the children at Epworth have been invited to Thanksgiving Dinner with the Gamecock Football team and coaches at the University of South Carolina. The event is always a big hit with the Epworth residents and the team, but this year one resident had a special plan up her sleeve.

Before coming to Epworth Children’s Home, most of the children missed out on the typical Christmas traditions of family dinners, decorating trees, gift-giving, Santa Claus and the feelings of anticipation and excitement on Christmas Eve.

This Christmas, as you are preparing your shopping list, I ask that you include the children who call Epworth home. Children like Malcolm, who had only one wish on his Christmas list this year.

Sam is a three year old boy who came to Epworth through the new Midlands Family Care Center (MFCC) which opened at Epworth last year. He came with his older sister and, unlike most children at Epworth, his pregnant mother. His mother battled addictions to alcohol and drugs, and was in danger of losing custody of her children.

As a child Daniel* suffered significant abuse in his home. DSS removed him from the physical dangers at home, but unfortunately for the last decade placement after placement failed as he struggled to develop into his teen years. The instability created by his frequent moves and his inability to build meaningful bonds with adults and peers created a downward cycle of despair.

Derek came to Epworth last summer as a 15 year old after experiencing a childhood of neglect and poverty at home. His parents struggled to care for him as they came in and out his life. Derek essentially grew up on the streets. He learned to “look out” for himself, but he never learned the discipline or value of education.

At this time last year, Jayla was nervous. A resident of Epworth, she had just completed her first year at Midlands Technical College while living on Epworth’s campus. She was trying to figure out her next step in life. She wanted to “move” away to get a bachelor’s degree, but she struggled in her first year at Midlands Tech. She wanted independence, to live in a dormitory, and to live “an adventure” but even with

Christine* is a 12 year-old girl with a lot of energy. Before coming to Epworth a year and a half ago, Christine’s life was in disarray and the young girl struggled to make sense of the world. Her parents seemed to be in constant turmoil. She had been to Epworth once before for a short time but had returned home with her parents. Her mother was emotionally unstable

Deshaun* is a 17 year old boy who came to Epworth last fall. Ever since he walked through the doors here, he has dreamed of the day he would turn 18. He told everyone on campus that as soon as his birthday came, he would sign himself out of care and go out in the world on his own. He craved independence even if