By: Korinne Harris

“We have the opportunity to see the best in humanity and the worst in humanity”

I’ve been a part of this organization for 9 months now, and I believe that observation made by Dr. Davis best summarizes the fullness of my experience while working at Anchor House.

In my role, I have the opportunity to know each boy that comes into our care personally. I get to see what makes them most excited, I get to hear about all the activities going on in their day, and I get to learn the best ways to connect with them. However, with that role also comes the task of reading the horror stories of their past situations. When I learn where a child comes from, I can no longer label them the same way the world does. 

The world sees an aggressive teenage boy, but I can see someone who is dealing with inexpressible anger over not understanding why mom left. 

The world sees a stubborn kid who refuses to listen, but I can see the trauma of being beaten every time you try to speak, manifesting into the inability to trust. 

The world sees a rebellious child who steals, but I can see a trained behavior to shove your pockets full so that you can eat that night. 

I believe that the broken parts of humanity have stolen these children's ability to be kids, but I also believe that humanity has not stolen their hope. 

I also get to see the best of humanity at my job. 

I get to meet strangers who will write checks without batting an eye when they hear about who we help. 

I get to work with staff who will sacrifice their time, energy, and income because of how strongly they believe these kids need to be loved. 

I get to meet young adults who will come back and say that their time spent at Anchor House shifted the trajectory of their life and the decisions they now choose to make. 

I believe that the Lord is moving through Anchor House as it is the home for stories that are marked by the evil in humanity, but also by the goodness and hope in humanity instilled by a redeeming Savior. To each of our donors, supporters, and volunteers: thank you for opening the door for these kids to see the type of hope found only in Christ.