 "You're a quarter in my penny collection
You’re the step stool to reach the top cupboard
You’re the blanket to keep me warm on a rainy day
You’re the water when I am dehydrated
You are my FAMILY"
God Bless You
-Amber Duncan
My name is Nancy Duncan, I was a foster child in Atkinson Youth Services from the age of 11 to 18. I was lucky, I never had any other placements, just AYS. Most of the children that lived with me had been in numerous placements before coming to AYS. Like me, however, this placement would be their last. AYS offered me a place to be myself (which was not always good), a place I could grow, learn, and be loved. My parents (Jim and Carla) taught me what it meant to have (and give) unconditional love. They did not get rid of me when other might have. Their patience, love, understanding, tolerance and commitment to me was (and continues to be) unbelievable. I learned how families should behave and treat each other. I learned how to be responsible for myself and my decisions. I learned humility, forgiveness, love, faith, and how to belong. Without them and the services their company provided, I would not be where I am today.
Nancy Duncan Here what she has to say
 Hello my name is Tanya Benavente . I came to Atkinson Youth Services when I was 9 years old. I was scared at first. Who wouldn’t be coming into a new place? When I got here that feeling of being scared quickly left. This place wasn’t like the others I had been too but it was very homey and loving. You could sense it right when you came in. I knew the moment I came in that this was home. We went on family vacations. They also helped me graduate. I am the first person in my family to graduate. I did have trouble but what teenager doesn’t? instead of giving up on me. They showed me how to fix the problem. Since being here I have gained a huge family. They may not be blood but they are the real deal. I am now an adult and parent and I’m using the skills and problem solving that I have learned with my boys. My boys call Jim and Carla grandma and papa. I may have graduated but I never left I know that I can always come back and visit and call them whenever I need some help. I don’t know anyone else who I use to live with that I could do that. I am truly grateful to Atkinson Youth Services for giving me a chance. I wouldn’t be the women or parent I am today if it wasn’t for Atkinson Youth Services. Helping me and not giving up.
I am so grateful!!!
-Tanya Benavente
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