Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1513541
Toby's House provides temporary emergency care to children 0-6 years old, the age group most vulnerable to abuse. Emergency care might be needed for a variety of reasons, from a caregiver feeling they are losing control to a parent needing childcare to keep an important appointment or in fear of losing a job if they miss more work. Director Susie Zeak says they serve families of all kinds and from all demographics, "No one is immune from crisis." She points out that their ability to reach those in need depends on them asking for help. She says it is oen a difficult step as a parent might think they will get in trouble because of the situation that led to the crisis. Zeak says Toby's House tries to be as present as possible through connections with other organizations such as Head Start, Benchmark, and local churches. ey also assist with tangible items such as diapers and formula that can serve as icebreakers. Once a family comes through their doors, they can establish a relationship – and give them the sense that they have a lifeline – the feeling that they have a new friend to call on. Cody Wood understands that feeling. He shares, "I'm hard-headed. It is hard for me to ask for help." But aer an onslaught of personal, medical, and economic challenges in his family, he came to realize, "I was asking for help for my children." He was a stay-at-home dad during the day while his wife Keri worked. He says, "I have always enjoyed kids and have the patience for them." He adds, "Kids can be a challenge." His three-year-old son Liam can't sit still, and nine-year-old Leia was having learning problems. Cody said Toby's House helped direct him to other programs like Benchmark, which helped identify a vision issue causing some of Leia's learning problems. Liam was enrolled at Head Photo by: Eric Visocan Photo by: Sage DuBois Photo by: Eric Visocan Director Susie Zeak says they serve families of all kinds and all demographics.Something as simple as books can be comforting to children in crisis. Cody and Keri Wood are grateful for the help they have received for their family at Toby's House. 66 | SIGNATURE MONTANA