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A Genesis Home Family Story
October 26, 2011
A Genesis Home Family Story
When Rhamir and his mother arrived at Genesis Home they were shown the only available suite. The case-manager was concerned that the suite might be too small for Shameka and her sons Rhamir (10) and Darrius (13), but Rhamir spoke up: “I told her, it’s alright! Don’t even worry if there aren’t enough beds. I just knew we needed a place to stay!”
Soon Rhamir and Darrius helped their mother make the suite their new home and started to check out the other kids at Genesis Home. “I didn’t know anyone, but I knew I wanted to play, too, so I just went up and introduced myself,” recalls Rhamir. Darrius adds, “It is easier here to have friends because all the families are doing the same thing. You just introduce yourself and there’s always someone to talk to. It’s harder at school when you get picked on when they find out where you live.”
When asked if Genesis Home feels like his home, Darrius answers, “Yes, I call this place home. I am glad to have a roof over my head and clothes on my back. Some day we’ll have our own place and see myself somewhere quiet, just spending time with my family. It will be a place with no drama.”
Both boys attend the after school tutoring program. “I passed my grade because of tutoring,” says Darrius. Rhamir adds, “Just because it is boring doesn’t mean you don’t do it. You do it so you can be smarter.” They talk about the prizes and incentives that go along with the program: “Do your work, don’t talk back, don’t cause trouble – get a prize. Don’t do your work--you ain’t getting nothing!”
The brothers are supportive of one another and praise each other’s talents. Darrius shows his art work but points out that Rhamir is better at lettering and graphics. They talk about their athletic skills and what they have learned from each other. When you see the boys around Genesis Home, you see them together. They are very close.
Their case-manager talks about the boys: “The things that they have gone through made them very serious. They support each other and really care for their mother. They will hover around her if she has a disappointment and make sure that she is okay. The whole family is so talented. They are coming along.”
When asked what they would say to a new family coming into Genesis Home, the boys answer, almost in unison, “Welcome to Genesis Home. This is the place where you can start your new life.”
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