June 2009 Face of a Foster Care Graduate – Lin Seahorn
May 26, 2009
Our June 2009 Face of a Foster Care Graduate comes to us from Alpharetta, Georgia. Lin is a true example of a survivor who continues to turn her past pain and tragedy into triumph. Growing up, Lin spent time in orphanages and foster care homes, she has experienced abuse at the hands of many. As you read her story you will notice that she never gave up, never mentions wanting to give up. You will also read about a wonderful non-profit organization called Children Without a Voice USA, which is dedicated to fighting child abuse in the United States. This organization was founded by this amazing graduate. Honored to introduce you to Lin…..
Name: Lin Seahorn
State: Georgia
Occupation: Founder & Executive Director
Marital Status: Married
A remarkable example of a survivor.
I learned to survive at an early age. I lived with hundreds of other children in Parmadale, a large catholic orphanage/group home, whatever you want to call it, in Cleveland, Ohio. Let me tell you, these ARE orphanages because these are children who have been handed over for society to take care of. I lived in another orphanage when I was 3 in Bean Station, Tennessee. I lived in private foster homes in two states and saw lots of sickness as a child. At age 11, my best friend at Parmadale was a little 5 year old boy who was raped by his father. I heard his story and would seek him out every day and protect him. I think of my little friend often and it tears me apart. I wonder who he is today, where is he? Is he alive…is he happy? Did he commit suicide? I will find him some day and be able to share with him how he kept me alive all of these years.
As a little girl, I was violently beaten, punched in the face, kicked, called names, sexually abused by my father, beaten across my bare back with belts, forced to stay in a small dark attic (with the pull down stairs and very little space to sit and was warned of moving, for fear of coming through the ceiling), forced awake all night sitting in a corner on my hands, deprived food, forced to stay between the door and screen door until late hours in the winter, not allowed to ever talk on a phone (never knew my own phone number), go in the kitchen where the food was, drank powdered milk because we were poor and was forced to stay up late hours washing all of the dishes in every cupboard in the kitchen for missing a dirty plate or not consuming every kernel of corn on my cob. I was never allowed to have friends and locked in my bedroom for days, staring out the window watching other children play because I was an inconvenience to my parents. My mother once took me to a hospital and tried to have me admitted into a psychiatric home, because she didn’t want me anymore. Thank God for those doctors who had me returned to my home. Looking back, I am forever grateful for the physical pain I endured at the hands of my parents instead of being put into a mental hospital where I knew I did not belong. When I was kicked out of the house daily, I was fondled by the neighborhood boys, beaten up and chased home from school every day by the girls because I was pretty. I learned little in school from having been deprived of sleep the night before. Eventually I ended up in the system which it too, would have consequences.
Of all of the things I experienced as a child, none were more traumatic than the time when there were no foster homes in East Tennessee for children my age. The few foster parents there were, only wanted small babies and not a pre-teen. No one told me anything the night a police man showed up at my foster home, placed me in the back seat and drove me 45 miles to the next biggest town, Knoxville, Tn. He walked me up a long concrete walkway towards a drabby brick building. I remember being so excited to see if this home would be “nicer” than the last home I was in. I proudly wore my long maxi coat and even carried a tiny suitcase with a few clothes in it. It turned out to be a “holding” place for me where I lived for a few weeks. It was a detention center for delinquents. We stayed in jail like cells and the girls beat me up every day for being different. They thought I had a perfect life because I showed up with a suitcase and a nice coat on. I was transferred by the police 45 miles to that location and the ride alone was terrifying, with not knowing why I was in a police car or where I was going. To this day, I refuse to visit Knoxville, Tn. and drive by the center but I could find it blindfolded if I wanted too. The image and experience is still very clear in my mind.
Tennessee has gotten better recently in improving their foster program but only after a lawsuit was filed against the state in 2000 and then after several more motions since 2003 asking them to improve the system. http://www.childrensrights.org/reform-campaigns/legal-cases/tennessee-brian-a-v-bredesen/
I wonder how many innocent children had to suffer all of those 40 something years since I was in the system.
I got my first apartment at 15, finished high school and entered college at 16. At 18, I dropped out of college to take care of my 13 year old younger sister whom I gained custody of, in attempt to keep her out of the foster system or jail. I worked two jobs. At 21, I was supporting my 14 year old younger brother. At age 25, I became a successful entrepreneur as a founder of a cellular company.
TODAY, I LEAD A PRODUCTIVE LIFE and I am thankful I have been given life and have finally accepted what it is I am supposed to do. Forgive, inspire, love and give hope to others and be an advocate for children.
I have seen much of what is out there, overcome many extreme hurdles and obstacles, and somehow came out of it, with a great sense of humor, blessed with a huge heart, determination, strength, vision, insatiable curiosity, courage and thankfulness. I understand my purpose clearly now and have been blessed tremendously by given life. I will do everything I can to help children and those who share my cause.
For the past 25 years I have devoted my spare time to doing humanitarian work while going through my own struggles. Helping others in what little way I could also helped me to overcome many obstacles and break the cycles of abuse and destruction. I have been an active advocate for crimes against children and animals on a domestic and international level. Most all of my work has been raising awareness and campaigning privately for tougher sentencing against child abusers and molesters in the U.S. I have files full of my work. I founded Children Without A Voice USA Christmas eve, 2007 and spent nearly 5,000 volunteer hours in its first 12 months in building the organization from the ground up. We have international support with chapters in four other countries, Brazil, Uganda, Belgium and Germany.
Of all of the things I experienced as a child, none were more traumatic than the time when there were no foster homes in East Tennessee for children my age. The few foster parents there were, only wanted small babies and not a pre-teen. No one told me anything the night a police man showed up at my foster home, placed me in the back seat and drove me 45 miles to the next biggest town, Knoxville, Tn. He walked me up a long concrete walkway towards a drabby brick building. I remember being so excited to see if this home would be “nicer” than the last home I was in. I proudly wore my long maxi coat and even carried a tiny suitcase with a few clothes in it. It turned out to be a “holding” place for me where I lived for a few weeks. It was a detention center for delinquents. We stayed in jail like cells and the girls beat me up every day for being different. They thought I had a perfect life because I showed up with a suitcase and a nice coat on. I was transferred by the police 45 miles to that location and the ride alone was terrifying, with not knowing why I was in a police car or where I was going. To this day, I refuse to visit Knoxville, Tn. and drive by the center but I could find it blindfolded if I wanted too. The image and experience is still very clear in my mind.
Tennessee has gotten better recently in improving their foster program but only after a lawsuit was filed against the state in 2000 and then after several more motions since 2003 asking them to improve the system. http://www.childrensrights.org/reform-campaigns/legal-cases/tennessee-brian-a-v-bredesen/
I wonder how many innocent children had to suffer all of those 40 something years since I was in the system.
About Children Without A Voice USA
Nearly 3 million American child abuse cases are reported each year in this country. REPORTED. BUT the Department of Justice and experts estimate the number to be three times greater, putting child abuse cases at 9 MILLION in America. This is at EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS. Every day, 4 children die from abuse in THIS country. Abusive Head Trauma/SBS (Shaken Baby Syndrome) is a horrible tragedy and rapidly growing.
Let’s start right now in THIS country and stop the rampant heinous crimes against OUR MOST PRECIOUS NATURAL RESOURCE-OUR CHILDREN. I challenge ALL celebrities, musicians, corporations AND ALL OTHERS to join me in being a voice for our children. All we need is your voice, time or money. It’s your choice. We are the only national abuse prevention organization to offer free educational materials on our website for download. Please help America’s children by going to our official website and making a donation or volunteering your time today.
Please visit ChildrenWithoutAVoiceUSA.org
A little humor…my last foster home…..
May 23, 2009
I like to look at things from the humorous perspective. My last foster home was memorable for several reasons. We had two dogs; Shaggy and Teddy and both liked to float around the above ground pool on rafts. We had a cat also, we inherited her when some teenagers threw dye into our above ground pool (blue and green) and then tossed a kitten into the pool. The kitten woke up the entire family screaming and we rescued her from the pool, she became our pet. Those where the days, seems like so long ago. My favorite song was “I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy” and “miss american pie”. I always put on shows for my foster family and would dance and sing the latest hot songs!
The last home does make me smile, a little bit of humor really as I recall the first introductions. Back then the social worker would bring you to the home of the perspective family and you would have some bonding time. You know how children can be so honest? There I was, me and my little brother, the social worker, two dogs and the potential new parents when I blurt out; “you are having a baby, I will have a sister or brother?” I’m surprised that this couple still took me in since she wasn’t pregnant, she told me she was just fat! Can you imagine!
I was asked why don’t they speak out and tell their stories
May 14, 2009
Recently the question was posed as to why, if there are 12 million adults in America who spent time in the foster care system, why don’t they share their stories with the public? My response: “I don’t know that anybody has asked them!”
May Face of a Foster Care Graduate-Lexy
May 3, 2009
Our May graduate comes to us from the state of Missouri. Her name is Alexandra, Lexy for short. We never know what source of inspiration will come to us in our time of need. For Lexy, her inspiration was found after viewing a movie called The Passion of Christ. Her life changed forever and she shares her story with you…meet Lexy…
Name: Lexy Ann
State: Missouri
Occupation: College Student
Marital Status: Single
Favorite Inspirational Book: KJV Bible
Beautiful Child
My five years in foster care from the ages of 8 to 13 was very miserable. I felt so very alone, isolated from everyone moving in the world as well. I didn’t talk very much in school or which ever home I was in because I figured I would just be moving to another foster home soon, so why try to make friends. I remember many nights I longed for a Mom to tuck me in and tell me she loves me, but my only comfort was a blanket and a pillow. I held a lot of hurt and anger in from everybody, trying to act like I had it all together but deep down I was about ready to have a nervous breakdown. I was split up from my two brothers and one sister during the years I was in foster care. They were in different homes. I hated that because other kids would talk about their siblings, but I would hang down my head in shame as if it was my fault I was split up from them. I thought it was my fault we were taken away from our abusive home. It wasn’t until my early 20s I realized nothing that happened in my childhood was my fault. I blamed myself, but now, I realize the things that happened, I had no control over. I was only a little girl, not 30 years old, which often times I acted like. I had to grow up at a very young age, which no child should have to do.
At about age 20 a devastating and very traumatic event took place. I was left feeling desperate, alone, very hurt, scared, deeply depressed, angry, scared by people who were suppose to be my family and protect me, and so much more. A friend from a collage I was attending at the time asked me if I wanted to go to church with her. I thought to myself, it’s either commit suicide or see what this “church” has to offer. I soon found out it wasn’t so much what the “church” had to offer, it was about what’s already been I offered. That night of May 14th, 2004 was the start of a new life in Christ for me. I realized I have sinned and fallen short of God’s Grace. My sins were revealed to me. I remember as I heard the truth, “is there any hope for me? Will God give up on me now?” Soon after, the preacher said, but there’s good news, GOD LOVES YOU, HE SENT JESUS CHRIST IN THE FLESH TO DIE FOR YOU ON THE CROSS SO YOU CAN BE FORGIVEN OF YOUR SINS. All you have to do is repent and be born again. Hearing the words God loves you was the most beautiful words I have ever heard in my entire life! I didn’t care who was on the right or left side watching me as I made my way to the altar, but I walked with tears filling my eyes as the simplicity of Jesus Christ and His Loving message filled my heart. I repented of my sins and as soon as I did it felt like a human hand inside my heart mending every broken, shattered piece back together. What happened, I couldn’t explain in words, all I can say is I had an unspeakable miraculous encounter with God. My life has never been the same. I am so happy now! Even my friends who knew me in grade school as well as high school who have gotten in touch with me recently notices the happiness in my eyes now they hadn’t ever seen before.
Yes, my childhood was robbed from me, but now I have a future and I’m the one who decides what I want in this life. I choose to serve Jesus Christ and open up a Safe Haven for Abused Children to make a difference in other children’s lives. I want to let them know that they can come out of foster care and do something wonderful with their lives. I want these children to know that their lives don’t have to be over (as they often feel like they are) they can be just beginning.
I’ve never had another flashback or nightmare of my childhood since Jesus has taken over in my life. I am so THANKFUL!
In order to begin Safe Haven for Abused Children, I will need a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration most likely. Also, I’m planning working for the Division of Family Services for a couple years after I obtain Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. I have already contacted the state of Missouri asking the requirements needed to run an organization such as Safe Haven. I know I will need to go to college to get the correct degrees to make sure Safe Haven is State approved. I currently attend a wonderful college in Missouri. I know it’s going to be a long hard road, but in the end it will all be worth it. I’ve come a long way already, what’s a few more obstacles to push through? I’m ready for the challenge of becoming a stronger person. I want to help these abused children to know there is Hope (God) in this cold dark world. These abused children are the ones that need the most help and I want to begin helping them as soon as possible. Thank you so very much for reading my story and taking the time to hear about Safe Haven, a place where abused children will know they are loved by God.
Confident and Strong
God Bless You Continuously,
Lexy Ann
Silent Warriors
May 3, 2009
We all have our battles to fight. Some are private, some are public and some are too painful to discuss. This website, this cause is about the more than 12 million adults living in America who have spent time in the foster care system. You may not recognize us, raised to keep silent, you might not realize we are here. We are your neighbor, your boss, your wife, husband, the person who delivers your mail, your child’s soccer coach, your child’s teacher, we are silently walking among you. For more than 2 years, I have monitored all things (online blogs and news feeds) relating to foster care; the system, the children, and the failures. Today, this site, aims to feature these amazing survivors, who I have come to call silent warriors. They talk with me, share with me and open their hearts to me. I am grateful, and I am humbled. These warriors, over 12 million of them out there in America are truly inspirational. Please continue to follow this site and be inspired by reading their stories!
