These are just a few of the stories of actual children who have been brought to West Valley Child Crisis Center:

Matthew’s Story: Matthew’s biological mother gave birth to him in prison and couldn’t keep him, so she gave him to her best friend’s mother to become his guardian and caregiver. From the time he was a baby, Matthew believed that the guardian was his mother. Unfortunately, the guardian extremely physically abused Matthew. The day he arrived at the shelter, 7-year-old Matthew was battered, bruised, and cut from head to toe. We were heartsick. He was such a great kid, too--always trying to please. The happy ending came when, after 5 months in our home, Matthew was taken to a first-time foster mom who thinks the world of him. The two of them hit it off immediately. She will be providing him the loving family he deserves.

Howard’s Story: Howard was brought to WVCCC because he was found wondering the
streets wearing nothing more than a pair of swimming shorts in the hot summer month of August, where in Phoenix temperatures are as high as 115 degrees. Howard was severely sun burned and extremely dirty leaving us to believe that he’d been out for days. His sun burn was immediately tended to and he was bathed and given some clean clothes and a new pair of shoes. Through good communication and excellent case management in partnership with the State, Howard was placed in a loving, caring, home of a family member. Not only do we care and tend to immediate physical needs of our children but we also advocate for our children and try to make a difference in the home placement they receive.

Sally and Danny are siblings, ages 2 and 4 respectively, that were brought to the shelter. It’s hard to comprehend, but these two beautiful, blue-eyed babies were abandoned by their mother … left alone. What’s even harder to take is listening to Sally cry, “Mommy, Mommy,” when she is put down for her nap. Being away from her mommy is something a 2-year-old cannot understand. The two children were eventually placed in a wonderful foster home.

Heidi and Tommy: Heidi was the 5-day-old newborn baby brought to our care. Precious little “Heidi” was only 4 pounds when she arrived from the hospital. She spent her first month of life at WVCCC, and our staff had a 1-month-old birthday party for her! Heidi and her brother, “Tommy” (who has the biggest, most beautiful eyes you’ve ever seen) had to be separated from their mother who was addicted to substance abuse and therefore unable to care for them.