"Sweet Dana" came to Emanuel home when she was five years old. Because her mother
was unable to care for her properly, and her father left shortly after she was born, Dana was left
to care for herself at a very early age.
Dana's mother was unstable and not able to give her the love and nurturing
necessary to her early development. In June 1997, after living with neighbors, Dana was discovered
by the Committee for the Protection of Minors, who became responsible for her care. She was
admitted to Emanuel Home on August 1, 1997. Because of the many troubles Dana endured in very early
childhood, at age 5, she was barely able to speak.
She still suffers many emotional problems, but the love and extra attention she has
received at Emanuel has made her a happy loving child. She has received individual attention and
counseling, and with the help of a Tutor has entered school this year. She like so many of the
children at Emanuel continues to improve, and is responding to her new stable home. In her own way,
she knows that she is loved by both God and her new family at Emanuel. Dana knows she has been
blessed with the strength to grow day by day.
She is truly a treasure to Emanuel.