Our Story:
Sam & Daniel Lakes


Eleven years ago, my husband and I started on our journey of parenthood.
We are blessed with three wonderful children and reside in Kettering, Ohio. 

Sam_and_Daniel

  However, our lives were profoundly shaken on August 27th, 2023. We were devastated to discover that a trusted friend and neighbor had been sexually exploiting our innocent children. The duration of this horrific abuse remained unclear at that time, but we knew it had transpired in our own home that fateful night. That marked the beginning of a lengthy journey involving sexual assault kits, forensic interviews, court trials, awaiting DNA results, countless hours of therapy, and an outpouring of support from family and community. As a social worker who had spent a decade assisting children and families through traumatic events, I initially believed I would be able to navigate this situation with relative ease. However, I was quickly proven wrong. The initial night, week, and even months were the most challenging times we’ve ever faced as adults and parents. We were overwhelmed by the processes, uncertain about the impact of these actions on our children, and unsure about how to best support them. It was then that I realized our experience had prepared us to assist others who might be grappling with similar feelings stemming from traumatic events in their lives.

   Our Family Connection Kits are designed to provide immediate assistance to families in the aftermath of such events. They offer tools, support, and resources to help families unite and cope with the situation.