A home for the holidays
Photo
Janesville's Kellie Everhart is caring for and keeping three sisters together while their mother receives treatment at an addiction rehabilitation center in Madison. The girls—from left, 7-year-old Keyonna, 11-year-old Kara and 9-year-old Kayla—had bounced from home to home with a family friend before finding stability in Everhart's Look West home earlier this fall.
JANESVILLE — Kellie Everhart admits she thinks with her heart.
That's why she opened her home to three young girls in need.
Never mind that she had already quit her job to care for her sister-in-law, who has a degenerative terminal disease.
Never mind that the two get by on her sister-in-law's Social Security benefits and the babysitting money Kellie earns.
Never mind that Kellie's own two children have been out of the home for years.
And never mind that the three girls didn't have even basic necessities when they came into her life.
Her logic is in her heart, Kellie admits.
"But I feel like that's where it should be," she said.
"My heart aches for these girls.
"And if I had turned my back, where would they be?"
That question, thankfully, might never have to be answered.
Today, Keyonna, 7; Kayla, 9, and Kara, 11, are safe, warm, fed, and together in Kellie's home.
But in October, their fate was uncertain.
'They were lost'
Their mother, Tabatha Wilson, 28, had been jailed and then admitted to an addiction rehabilitation center in Madison. Tabatha had split with her husband, who is the father of her youngest child. The father of the older girls is not around.
So Tabatha left her daughters in the care of a friend.
It wasn't a good choice, Tabatha acknowledges today.
The friend didn't have a place to stay, so she and the girls bounced from home to home. Tabatha grew frantic when she lost contact with her daughters. Police eventually found them living in Rockford, Ill. Somehow, the kids eventually ended up attending Washington Elementary School in Janesville.
Kellie, 43, knew the family, and one day in early October she ran into the father of the youngest and inquired about the girls. He told her that their caretaker had just called to say she was throwing them out.
"They had been moving all the time, in and out of different places, and not some very nice places," Kellie recalled.
The father said he couldn't care for them, either, because of his early morning job.
Kellie's heart spoke.
She told the father that he could drop off the girls at her home before school and that they could stay with her after school until he picked them up.
When Kellie first met the girls, "They were lost," Kellie said. "They were very, very untrusting. They were hungry and filthy and had nothing."
No socks. No underwear.
She scrounged $11 in change so the girls could go on a field trip. She couldn't stand the thought of them sitting at school while everyone else got to go.
Shortly after, the father didn't come back.
Kellie didn't think twice about keeping the girls. But one of her worries was that garage sale season was winding down, making it harder to find bargains for the household.
"I didn't have hats, coats, mittens, boots," Kellie recalled. "I didn't have enough blankets.
"We first of all kind of made a big, gigantic thing on the floor until I could afford a blow-up mattress," Kellie recalled.
Before long, she got a good deal on beds.
"But the girls were OK, and I knew it," she said. "They were safe and eating and they felt safe. They trusted me."
Kellie lives in a rented house in the Look West neighborhood.
"I know that there's better houses," Kellie said. "I know there are foster families that might have more money."
But "I could guarantee that they would be together."
That first week, the girls did nothing but eat.
"From the time they woke up to the minute they walked in the door, I couldn't cook enough or have enough fruit on hand," she said.
'How does that happen?'
Kara, the oldest girl, had assumed the role of mother. Kellie described her as "so overwhelmed and so stressed out."
She figures Kara might have malnourished herself making sure the younger girls had enough to eat.
"I worry about Kara," Kellie said. "I don't remember my daughter knowing some of the things that Kara knows at 11.
"It's definitely hardest on her," Kellie said. "She lays awake an night, thinking. When all the rest of them are asleep, I let her get up, and we talk.
"I put my arm around her, and she said it feels good to be hugged."
Sometimes, she'll hear Kara caution the others to be good.
"Please don't go to her crying," Kara will whisper to her siblings. "We won't have anywhere to go."
It's OK, Kellie says she tells them. "I'm not going to give you away."
The girls treat everything they get as precious, even a 25-cent chapter book from a rummage sale.
Kellie clips coupons and buys day-old meat. She cooks soups and stews and hot dishes.
"We could have grilled cheese and ham sandwiches and tomato soup, and as long as we're sitting at that table together, they don't care," she said.
Kellie threw the girls a birthday party because their birthdays all are about the same time.
"They never had the lights shut out, the candles lit and people singing 'Happy Birthday' to them," she said.
"How does that that happen?" she asked, wiping away tears. "How does that happen to kids?"
'People are good'
Kellie is grateful for the unofficial support she's been getting from the community.
Her grandson attends Montessori, and Kellie asked the teachers there to check if anyone had used clothes for the girls. Soon people were dropping off bags of new clothing.
She was able to get free items from Angels and Wings, a give-away organization in Janesville. And the staff at Washington Elementary School has been great.
"It really does take a village," Kellie said. "I really learned that people are good."
Sometimes, the girls come home crying when children tease them that nobody wants them.
"Don't you dare say that," Kellie tells the girls. "We wanted you."
The girls' mother, Tabatha, can't put her gratitude into words.
"She is absolutely wonderful," Tabatha said of Kellie.
The Janesville Gazette reached Tabatha at the Madison drug rehabilitation center.
Tabatha said she didn't want to put the girls into foster care because she earlier lost them for several months to social services, and she didn't want to go that route again.
"They're so happy," she said of the girls. "Kellie's wonderful. She's very supportive, very patient. Nothing bothers her. My kids just absolutely love her.
"I couldn't have asked for a better place for them to go."
Tabatha plans to make a new start in Madison when she gets out of treatment. She has a job at McDonald's and support from people at the treatment center. She's afraid she'll make the same mistakes if she returns to Janesville.
'I like it here'
On a recent weeknight with the excitement of Christmas building, the girls did their homework in Kellie's cozy kitchen.
The girls have a routine. Kellie has snacks ready when they come home from school. They do an hour of schoolwork whether they have homework or not.
Kara said things are better now that they're with Kellie.
Kellie feeds them breakfast, lunch and dinner, Kara said.
She makes them do their homework and checks their backpacks before they head to school.
She makes sure their clothes match.
Kayla, 9, and Keyonna, 7, proudly showed off their new tops.
Kara counted on her fingers the places they've lived.
Before, the girls didn't have shoes or winter clothes, Kara said.
Kellie bought them warm clothes, and they don't have to worry about moving from place to place.
And Kellie always chooses the right friends, Kara said seriously.
The girls love their mother, but they also love Kellie and the oasis of stability she's given them.
"Every day after school, I sit with her and always tell her how much I like it here," Kara said. "I tell her, 'Thank you for letting us stay.'"
The girls don't want to move to Madison when their mom is better.
Kara dreams that her mom and Kellie might get a big house so they all could live together.
Maybe Kellie could marry their mother, the youngest said.
"She's only 7," Kara explained, rolling her eyes.
Kid things
Kellie said the girls should need to worry only about kid things.
"But that's not what they're worried about. They worry about grown-up things."
The girls don't want to give up their newfound stability.
Kellie worries what might happen to them in Madison. Their mom could get out of treatment as early as late February.
"I want to believe she's doing this for the right reasons," she said of Tabatha.
Kellie is helping the girls develop a plan in case something goes wrong again.
"I don't want to believe it will, but history has certainly repeated itself with these kids."
She's had the girls memorize her phone number. She's promised them she will come get them if they need her—no matter where they are or what time it is.
Kellie has grown to love the children but doesn't dwell on the hurt she'll suffer when they leave.
"I'm a grown-up," she said.
"I'm not worried about my heart.
"I'm worried about their hearts."
Jan 3, 2009 at 9:10 p.m.
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Gmaof3,I thank you for your words.They mean a lot coming from you.Im sorry it took a happy/sad story for you to understand,but at least you did! It is a start to the healing process of the world! There is so much hate,anger,and hurt,it is very hard to know where to begin!(In this world,I mean.) All it takes to make a difference is a little kindness,which I think you may have found !
Dec 25, 2008 at 11:23 p.m.
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I am paraphrasing, but there is a saying that runs along the lines of "at the end of my life, the most important thing will not be what kind of car I drove or what kind of house I lived in, but that I made a difference in the life of a child." Kellie's compassion and selflessness will be remembered by these girls for the rest of their lives, and will influence how they see the world as adults. God bless, Kellie. You HAVE made a difference.
Dec 25, 2008 at 6:34 p.m.
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amandasue_e...
You must be a fabulous young lady! You are your Mother's daughter! How awesome your support must mean to her! Your compassion is a mirror image of the woman who raised you, with love.
So many children become the "leftovers" of sour relationships, but amandasue, your Mom is one amazing woman. I have no doubt she brought you up with the same principals.
"God bless the children", the meek of heart, those with so much to offer if they get the chance.
These young girls some day will have their own story to tell.... Kellie, thank you so much for being a part of their lives. You ARE making a difference!
For those who feel that "young" mothers will always make poor decisions... its a child raising a child... Some make it, most don't. But with the support of family and friends, you'd be surprised how many absolutely DO get through the drama. Unfortunately, these three precious girls have been through more than their share.
I'm sure the community will continue to step up to the plate and help out. Praises to AngelWings.... I needed to read this story to fully understand the impact you have made on those in desperation and who's lives you have touched. I so pray you can find a facility that will help you expand and grow, without all the governmental and political restrictions.
Kellie, you truly are an Angel from God.... these young ladies are precious, precious parcels from Heaven.... I pray you get all the support you need.
Dec 25, 2008 at 2:47 p.m.
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I really want to thank everyone who has said kind words for my mom. She really goes out of her way to do things for other people, and she does it without a second thought. If there is a problem, or someone needs her, or if ends don't quite meet, she figures it out. She makes sure that everyone around her is always taken care of undonditionally. Again, we really appreciate the overwhelming support and positive comments. God bless.
Dec 25, 2008 at 2:19 p.m.
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I know kellie very well and this isnt the first time she has taken in someones kids.she had another girls son for over 2-3 years and he even called her mom because his mother wasnt there for him.he was kellies world and the mother came and took him away from her and it was like her own child was taken and she was beyond devistated. she has a heart of gold and will do anything for anyone.she is a great woman and thank god she was there for these kids and opened up her home to them.__kelly
Dec 25, 2008 at 2:11 p.m.
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I've read and reread this story several times over the past two days. Each time, my admiration and appreciation for Kellie multiplies. I have no doubt that you and the girls are having a wonderful Christmas. You are truly an angel on Earth. Bless you.
Dec 25, 2008 at 1:50 p.m.
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Hi I have 2 daughters and we went thru a bunch of clothes and we have bags full! Please let me know if the girls would like the clothes and I will bring them to you! My number is 608-359-1903! Merry Christmas and God Bless you!!!!
Dec 25, 2008 at 7:44 a.m.
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Kelli I want to thank you for doing such a wonderful thing for the girls you are a very special person and you should be commend for that. Bless you for what you are doing
Dec 25, 2008 at 12:22 a.m.
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Kellie, you are doing a great thing. And to the kids, you guys keep your chin up and it is obvious that you are truly loved.
Dec 24, 2008 at 11:22 p.m.
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Hi I am Kellie. Thank you all for such beautiful words. I am making the girls a scrap book of our time together.(well try, I am not a scrapbooker)Please know we never meant for anyone to point fingers. I just wanted the girls to know that they are loved and cared for. The oldest girl wants to read these so please be kind. God Bless you all and again thanks for helping. I cant put words to how I am feeling, I dont even know if there is a word that fits these feelings. Just open your hearts, it feels great!!
Dec 24, 2008 at 10:07 p.m.
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i too know The mother of these girls and have to say this is the best thing that proably ever happened to them in thier lives. If they are allowed to stay with Kellie they will have the opputunity to acheive many things in life. Thier mother had that oppurtunity a year ago and blew it. She had the support of many who were trying to help her acheive a better life for her and her girls, they were doing good and Tabatha threw that away. our community misses them girls greatly and we wish them much success and love through thier lives.
Dec 24, 2008 at 9:30 p.m.
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Kellie, Thank You and God Bless You. You are truly a special person. Thanks for loving these 3 beautiful little girls.
Dec 24, 2008 at 8:28 p.m.
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This story is what Christmas is about. The birth of Jesus and the love that God has for us all.
May the Lord bless and keep these girls and the people who help them.
JB
Dec 24, 2008 at 5:59 p.m.
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kellie is my mom. I live next door to her. If anyone is interested in contacting her, they can call me at 608 359 8314. I work during the day during the week, but leave a message and myself or my mom will get back with you.
Dec 24, 2008 at 4:46 p.m.
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Kellie: What a wonderful act of kindness,and so fitting of a time of year that this is. My heart just cried to know that there are still good people in this world. Your place in heaven is garrented,and your wings are on order,and the love you have shown will be in these little girls hearts,forever! I don't know you,but i,or anyone would be proud too.
Dec 24, 2008 at 2:54 p.m.
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Kellie,you and the girls look beautiful together.I really hope it lasts.Good luck to all of you and have a wonderful Christmas!
Dec 24, 2008 at 2:11 p.m.
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Ejean, dad did not just leave the girls. There was an agreement between him and Kellie. She offered to keep the girls and that comment in the paper is suppose to get corrected.
I to have done the samething when my mom died. The man she had been with for 8yrs before she past had 2 children. She asked me to promise her before she died to watch over them, because like these girls they were given a bad hand. I promised my mother that I would do that and i did. I had three children of my own and as soon as I heard they had ended up in foster care I did everything in my power to get them and I did. I had no help from anyone and there is no kinship care unless you are related.but you find away and you make things stretch. I do totally agree with your comment about teen mothers, I too was a teen mother my first when i was 16 and 2 more by the time i was 19. I asked no one for anything and put myself through school. my 3 kids never went without and they turned out very well. Unless you have ever been a young mother you know nothing about the struggles we have been through and just because you may have bad times doesn't mean your a bad parent. Its just not for everyone and thats why there are people like us in the world.
Dec 24, 2008 at 2:11 p.m.
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Alot of people think about doing what Kellie did , few do what she did.. It takes a special person. Thank you Kellie.
Dec 24, 2008 at 11:05 a.m.
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I used to take care of these girls in daycare when they were much younger, I also worked with the father of the youngest. I can't believe he would just let that happen to his daughter, or his daughter's sisters. There is aid to help single parents, he could have gotten them into daycare or the before and after school program the YWCA offers at most schools in Janesville. I can't see any excuse for a parent just not showing up to pick up their child from someone elses care. I don't think any of the parents involved here should get the children back in their care. I know them as very sweet little girls and hope they can stay in a stable loving environment. As a side note to spicymarge, I had my first child at 17 and had 2 more before I was 23. I have taken good care of them for their whole lives and they are normal happy kids. Don't be too judgmental on the teen moms. We don't all turn out to be losers and unfit parents.
Dec 24, 2008 at 10:41 a.m.
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This is a wonderful story! I wish the girls and Kellie the best Christmas ever. Please, readers, let's think about focusing on the good in this story and leave the bashing of others out. (These girls can read.) P.S. Mr. Lassiter: That is one beautiful photograph!
Dec 24, 2008 at 10:24 a.m.
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Kellie first of all your one of gods special people . What a wonderful woman you are. This story has hit home. Since i was once in the shoes of those liitle girls . Age 41 now my mother passed away at an early age and me and my 2 sisters ages 3,4,and 6 had not a clue what are lives had in store. A family member took us in for a few years but having children of her own . We were split up in foster homes for the remander of our childhood. We survived but never had a family we could call our own. Please Tabatha think real hard about the choices you make your children not rag dolls . They are human and need love and a stable family !!
Dec 24, 2008 at 10:23 a.m.
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To quote Rudyard Kipling:
"You're a better man(woman) than I am Gunga Din."
Dec 24, 2008 at 10:23 a.m.
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That is a beautiful story - the world is lucky to have a person like Kellie in it!
Dec 24, 2008 at 10:11 a.m.
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What a kind and compassionate human being Kellie is! What's truly sad is that our society doesn't place any value on what people like Kellie do because it doesn't bring in the "cash"...unless there's a large salary or income involved, this type of "work" or mission just isn't important. And as far as I'm concerned, the girls parents and family members are, among other things, truly horrible people to put these girls through this trauma.
Thankyou Marcia for reporting on this story. Just think of the impact your heartfelt story will have in helping this family out.
Dec 24, 2008 at 9:57 a.m.
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If you would like to donate to Kellie Everhart and the girls, e-mail reporter Marcia Nelesen at mnelesen@gazettextra.com. She will pass your information on to Kellie.
-Stacy Vogel, The Janesville Gazette
Dec 24, 2008 at 9:10 a.m.
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First of all I commend Kelli for what she has done for the girls. They need a positive roll model in there life to teach them how to be little girls and to let them be little girls. The comment on how do people get themselves into these situations. Well life does and life happens. I dont have the time of day for Tabbatha I know what type of person and mother she is, I have known her since she was a little girl. But the fact remains that three little girls that didnt asked to be brought into this world but have had to go through so much that no child needs to endure. the girls are better off with Kelli. For you Kelli its not about money or they kind of house you live in, its about unconditional love for another person. What you have done is step up to the plate when no one, not even family would. I hope and pray that for the sake of those girls that they remain with you. As for the sob story about mom,well I know mom and she put herself in this situation and it wasnt that her husband just walked out on her. There is so much more to that story. But this is not about them and what they did or didnt do. But these girls deserve so much better then what they have been given in the past. It sounds like Kelli can give them what they need and what they have been missing in there life.
Dec 24, 2008 at 9:01 a.m.
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Kellie: What a blessing you are! I wish there were more people like you in the world! I too would like to help out with anything if I could, how do we get hold of you??? God Bless you and the girls!
Dec 24, 2008 at 8:33 a.m.
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fantastic story!! those girls are lucky to have you, Kellie... Merry Christmas to you, the girls, and your family...
Dec 24, 2008 at 8:05 a.m.
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Kellie - those girls are greatly blessed to know someone like you! I have 2 girls that are 11 and 13 that are always outgrowing clothes. If you could please advise what size your girls are currently wearing (& shoes too) I would be happy to donate what we have accumulated so far. I'm new to the whole blogging thing, so not sure how to get in touch to donate.
Dec 24, 2008 at 8:04 a.m.
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"Kara, the oldest girl, had assumed the role of mother." This is the frightening aspect of this story. The girls mother was only 17 years old when SHE felt mature enough to carry a pregnancy to term AND keep the baby. Kara is 6 years away from that possibility and even less biologically speaking. Will we still feel sorry for her when...if..
Birth control. It's a poverty preventative like no other.
Dec 24, 2008 at 7:59 a.m.
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"I know that there's better houses," Kellie said.
There might be, but I doubt there's a better home, Kellie.
Dec 24, 2008 at 7:49 a.m.
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Kellie- what a selfless act. You deserve a medal for your generosity. Most people couldn't be bothered but you stepped up and did the right thing. These girls will have a better future because of your thoughtfulness.
Dec 24, 2008 at 7:31 a.m.
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localboy- well, regardless of HOW people get themselves into "these types" of situations, they do. It is normal for them just as you have your normal. It is the kind hearts and giving personalities that make up for the wrong choices people might make. Lets hope that these girls choose a path that does step away from their mothers.
I worked with Kellie several years ago and have to say that she is one of the more kind and thoughtful people that I have met. She is more then willing to give the shirt off her back to anyone that might need to be warm.
It makes my heart feel good that at a time of joy these girls have a warm place and an a kind heart taking care of them. Good luck Kellie!
Dec 24, 2008 at 7:04 a.m.
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Kellie, you are a rare and wonderful human being. Bless you.
Dec 24, 2008 at 5:37 a.m.
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What an incredible story. How in the world do people get themselves in these types of situations? What drives people to the abnormal? Isn't there a natural instinct in the mother to want to provide, no matter what? These girls are lucky to get with Kellie. It will give the girls a taste of normalcy and it might drawn them to the same when they are older, which will be a different path then their mother chose.
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