Through My Eyes: Stories of agony, courage, and hope. From the lives of youth in foster care
These powerful stories were written by youth from foster care who wanted their voices heard and their stories remembered. The origins of this book came from conversations with a probation youth who had spent over 14 years of her life in the foster care system. Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families, a residential treatment center and shelter home for abused and neglected children in Ventura County was her 24th placement, and she was struggling to find a foster home.
This book was created and published in 2011 by the California Youth Connection (CYC). CYC is a statewide non-profit organization comprised of current and former foster youth dedicated to working with policy makers and the community to improve the foster care system. CYC empowers youth to use their voice to create positive changes in their lives and improve the circumstances for children in care. For the youth involved with CYC, it is more than an advocacy organization; CYC provides a positive environment where there is mutual respect, acceptance, love and support among all members. It is the family we never had.
Through My Eyes: Stories of agony, courage, and hope is available to purchase today. To order contact Dominique Martinez, Peer Advocate at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call (805) 366-4201.
“Under the Wings of A Dove”
The Music of the Children of Casa Pacifica
At the request of Casa Pacifica’s administration, several of the students involved in the music program, collaborated together and under the direction of Jill Ball and Tom Ball, wrote a song for the Casa Pacifica web site called “Under the Wings of a Dove.” Based on the Casa Pacifica logo and mission, the children focused on conveying the important role that Casa has played in their lives, as well as the hope it fosters in each of them.
Casa Pacifica Under The Wings of a Dove by casapacifica
Lyrics
Under the wings of a dove
I‘ve found hope and I’ve found love
I’ve found shelter and a helping hand
A place of peace, someone to understand
I’ve got the chance to rise above
Under the wings
Under the wings of a dove
You’ve given me hope, and I’ve learned to trust again
I know dreams can come true
They really can come true
We all deserve a chance to grow
And with a little help from you I know
That now I can fly on my own
I can fly away
I can fly so high
Under the wings of a dove
I’ve found hope and I’ve found love
I’ve found shelter and a helping hand
A place of peace, someone to understand
I’ve got the chance to rise above
Under the wings
Under the wings of a dove
The day I fell, I broke my wings
No one to help
No one to see
Then you reached out
You took me in
Healed my broken wings
Now I can fly again
Under the wings of a dove
I’ve found hope and I’ve found love
I’ve found shelter and a helping hand
A place of peace, someone to understand
I’ve got the chance to rise above
Under the wings
Under the wings of a dove