On a cold day in January 1973, Kathryn was placed by the state in a group facility in Bartlett, IL. She and her brothers were beaten and emotionally abused by their stepfather, whom they never saw sober. Recalling the abuse, she said, "I was terribly frightened to tell for fear he'd kill us cold."

Their stepfather did spend some time in jail after an abusive episode, but when he got out he returned home and nothing changed.  Kathryn began wandering around Chicago during the day and sleeping on friends' couches.  When the state became involved, with her mother's consent, she was placed at Herrick House.

During the summer, she went to live with a foster family, one that became her family -- a family that gave her support, opportunities and love.  Three decades later, Kathryn moved back to Bartlett with her husband and decided to visit the group home where she had once lived. The old dorm building is gone now, replaced by three smaller buildings.

Kathryn is volunteering as an art teacher for girls with developmental disabilities. She told the girls there, on the first day of class, that she had once lived there too.  About being back, Kathryn says, "The staff at Herrick House provided me with safety, understanding and love. They taught me that, in spite of my difficult childhood, I had purpose.  It's my sincere hope that I am doing the same with the girls of Casa Salama by encouraging their uniqueness, their talents and their gifts. They are amazing young women with so much to give."

For the full story by Burt Constable of the Daily Herald, click here.