Testimonials

LAQUANNA COUPLIN

"In the early nineties as a kid when drugs, guns and sex had major control over a struggling community my mother and I existed in a development overrun with everything except the help to escape it. In the short 8 years I had with my mom I had everything a kid could need in my eyes but there were things happening behind the scenes that I wasn't aware of. One day mommy was gone and I was in an apartment alone. Then things got really crazy I was in the care of a family member and while that lasted some time that time shortened then from there I bounced to several different places after many struggles and foster homes and group homes one home I was in afforded me the opportunity to engage in heart felt conversations and activities. My foster mom at the time took me to church where I met Hallie, her two young sons, and her husband Jon. I totally adored the four of them especially Jon jr and Julian as I had no siblings yet! One time while visiting Jon jr aka Jon Jon said to me "Laquanna your gonna be our sister!" and I couldn't have been more excited. Having two new brothers and the most caring and amazing parents a kid could ask for was a dream come true. Soon I'd realize that yet another challenge would once again threaten my very fragile character. Things were great with the Reeds; I had peace I was loved but I still missed my mom. As she struggled to rebuild herself I was in good hands. Then the day came when I was asked how I felt about moving to Sioux Falls SD. A total relocation and a complete disconnect from everything and everyone I've ever known, at least that's how it felt as a child. While my mom wanted what was best for me and she had the final say the Reeds couldn't have been a better family for me at the time. Otherwise I would've bounced from home to home again and I didn't need that. Having a mom and dad in the same home was new to me and I enjoyed growing and maturing with a dad and a mom. I thrived in school and I was introduced to Jesus I knew who he was and what he sacrificed for me. I was happy but something deep down still didn't quite sit well. I MISSED MOM! I was accepted by my new family and loved just the same as my brothers. Behind the scenes mom was hard at work getting things together for our reunification. On the other side of the country Hallie (mom#2) was teaching me how to be a lady, things about fashion personal hygiene and how to behave and represent myself wherever I went. Mom came to visit and the interaction between my two moms seemed as if they knew each other for years. It was great for me because now I have two loving moms to look after me. Once I left SD and was reunited with my mother I thought of my other family back in SD. For years I wondered how they were doing and if they missed me. I was happy with mom but what about mom #2 and my brothers?! As I got older I decided to reach out to my extended family to keep in contact because deep down I had a love for them that didn't die down. Out of all the foster homes and group homes I lived in I have to say being with the REED's was the only place that could show me the love and support I needed outside of that which my mother couldn't provide during her absence. Still till this day I keep in contact with my second mom and my siblings. I love them dearly and I'm grateful to call them my family I'll forever have love for my second mom and I'm forever grateful for her extended love and the void she filled in my life when she didn't have to. I'llnlove Hallie always.#childrenmatter #loveforever"