The life of a child is - for the most part - carefree.
But there are some who are stripped of their innocence when they become victims of crime.
5-year-old Ashton and 10-year-old Destiny have been through more than most of us could ever imagine.
But as they meticulously pick out their very own bicycles, donated to them by the Abilene Police Department, there is more than a gleam of hope in their eyes.
"They were separated from their home and their things through a lot of hard situations and part of it was their bikes, they couldn't have their bikes," Says the family's counselor and RCVCC Assistant Director Monica Reid. "But just the fact of them having positive experiences again is a big deal."
Ashton and Destiny are now living with their grandparents, and have been working with Abilene's Regional Crime Victim Crisis Center for about a year.
Their grandparents say in that short time, the kids have come a long way.
"They have begun to feel more at home now than what they were like at first. They've kind of withdrawn a bit," Says Grandfather Joe Williams.
The center's almost 35 years of existence has become a staple for thousands of crime victims across six counties. With seven full-time staff members, the non-profit is working every day to help kids like Ashton and Destiny regain their childhood, and move on with their lives.
"They're put at ease, we're put at ease," Explains Grandmother Patti Williams.
"With all the help we've been getting from everybody you know law enforcement and CPS...You know it's just been wonderful," Said Joe Williams.
But there are some who are stripped of their innocence when they become victims of crime.
5-year-old Ashton and 10-year-old Destiny have been through more than most of us could ever imagine.
But as they meticulously pick out their very own bicycles, donated to them by the Abilene Police Department, there is more than a gleam of hope in their eyes.
"They were separated from their home and their things through a lot of hard situations and part of it was their bikes, they couldn't have their bikes," Says the family's counselor and RCVCC Assistant Director Monica Reid. "But just the fact of them having positive experiences again is a big deal."
Ashton and Destiny are now living with their grandparents, and have been working with Abilene's Regional Crime Victim Crisis Center for about a year.
Their grandparents say in that short time, the kids have come a long way.
"They have begun to feel more at home now than what they were like at first. They've kind of withdrawn a bit," Says Grandfather Joe Williams.
The center's almost 35 years of existence has become a staple for thousands of crime victims across six counties. With seven full-time staff members, the non-profit is working every day to help kids like Ashton and Destiny regain their childhood, and move on with their lives.
"They're put at ease, we're put at ease," Explains Grandmother Patti Williams.
"With all the help we've been getting from everybody you know law enforcement and CPS...You know it's just been wonderful," Said Joe Williams.
