We Are Not Invisible

Dear Friends,

All of us have a story to tell, and each is unique and powerful in its own way. I hope that some part of my story resonates with the challenges and successes in your own life. I believe that our humanity and compassion is grounded in our willingness to see ourselves through the struggle of others and because of this I’ve chosen to share my story with you.

My name is Katie Becker, I’m 35 years old and have three sons. I’m very proud to say that in May of 2013 I will be graduating from law school. This has been my lifelong dream, but if we had met when I was a teenager you would have predicted a very different future for me. My family was poor and there was a lot of dysfunction.  From the time I was two to seven years old, we had no electricity or running water and lived in an isolated rural area. By the time I was 13, my mother was gone for good and I was raising my 5 younger brothers and sisters and maintaining my father’s house while he worked 60 to 70 hours a week. My father had a long fuse, but when he reached the end of it, he could be brutal.

I got pregnant when I was 14, and during one violent episode my father slapped me so hard I could feel the bones in my spine pop. I was afraid for the baby and for me. I found out about Florence Crittenton in Charlotte, North Carolina and at the end of my 9th grade year I walked through their doors 6 months pregnant. It was there that I began to heal, discovered my inner strength, and envisioned my future. I left Florence Crittenton and was placed in foster care. Needless to say, when my foster dad put a move on me I left. Nevertheless, I graduated from high school and then from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte.  I was the first person in my family to graduate from college. Today, I work full-time as a contract and lease administrator while going to law school at night. I’ll graduate next May from Charlotte School of Law, and on that day, when I look out at the crowd, I will see my three sons and my Crittenton family.

The people at Florence Crittenton have been a source of constant support. But recently my Crittenton family has become much larger through my connection to The National Crittenton Foundation (TNCF). I learned that Florence Crittenton in Charlotte and I are part of a national network of agencies, advocates and women like me from every corner of our country. Together we work to ensure that stories like mine are heard and seriously considered when Congress takes action.

Recently I spoke at a Congressional Briefing hosted by TNCF on Adverse Childhood Experiences and young mothers.  It was an honor and an inspirational experience, but more importantly, I know I was making a difference. 

I’ve always encouraged people to support my local Crittenton, but today I am asking you to support the national work, because without it, I would be invisible and so would thousands of other girls and young women who are survivors of childhood violence and trauma. We didn’t ask to be born into these situations and we want the same thing you do ­— to be safe, to heal, to thrive and to have a bright future.

Thank you for listening and for caring.

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