Each child who enters the Children of the Night home is given the individual attention he or she needs. Upon arrival, youngsters are assigned to private bedrooms if possible (each with its own bath) until they get a chance to settle in, and receive fresh clothing and hygiene kits. Each child is designated a Primary Caseworker who coordinates medical care, psychological care, academic assessments and other social services as needed.

Residents follow a highly structured program that includes attending an on-site school where they study a curriculum individually tailored to their specific needs so they can reach age- appropriate grade levels in all subjects before leaving. With the help of caseworkers, each youngster formulates a “life plan” and attends independent living classes, as well as participating in sports and recreational activities plus evening workshops in crafts, yoga, 12-step meetings, poetry, AIDS education, and more.

By offering children appropriate adult role models who won’t let them down and helping them set and achieve goals, Children of the Night provides the tools that prepare youngsters to function in mainstream jobs and normal lives. “We’re in the business of raising children,” says the organization’s founder and president, Dr. Lois Lee, who with her staff helps residents move on to appropriate placement - with a family member, in a foster or group home, in independent living, or in college.

“Children want structure,” Lee adds. “They need someone to listen to them, things to do, and to feel they’re achieving little successes. By getting a taste of what normal life is like, they can learn to do things for themselves. We don’t have a magic wand,” she points out. “It’s as simple as giving children unconditional love. We don’t punish them - we’re always there for them, regardless of what choices they want to make.”

Download 2007 - Annual Report