According to the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services, there were nearly 130,000 calls to a state child abuse hotline in fiscal year 2015, a substantial increase over the 108,000 calls received in 2011. Of those calls, 60,000 met the criteria necessary to begin an investigation. Child abuse was substantiated in more than 26,000 cases. By comparison, 18,000 abuse claims were upheld in 2013.

Clearly, the incidence rate of child abuse and neglect has reached an alarming level. These young victims bear severe emotional scars. Those scars take time to heal, but without full stomachs and the security of knowing where their next meal is coming from, their bodies, minds and spirits can’t recover.

Sunrise Children’s Services is committed to keeping kids in crisis nourished in body and soul. We rescue and help these innocent victims begin the process of healing. Each child who comes to Sunrise is deeply wounded, and desperately in need of God’s healing grace. We help these children and their families find health and happiness through counseling, therapy and prayers.

This Thanksgiving, as you celebrate in the warmth and fellowship of friends and family, we ask that you keep these children in your prayers and consider supporting Sunrise in its mission. You may be assured that your gift will help us provide care for these lost and abandoned orphans of the living. Visit www.sunrise.org for more information.