Dante (11) and Cassie (7) entered care in 2022 due to abuse and neglect. After a brief period during which they were both placed at the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center, they were unfortunately separated and are still living apart. They were soon enrolled in Camp Connect where they reunite at monthly events and our annual summer camp.

On a recent trip to Sesame Place, their nerves and shyness quickly melted away with a big hug. They wasted no time racing to Super Grover’s Box Car Derby rollercoaster and working together on the Cookie Monster Climb, barely stopping before moving on to Ernie’s Twisty Turny Tunnel Slides. They raced each other down, splashing into the pool at the bottom with gleeful shouts. Dante made sure Cassie felt safe and cheered her on as she conquered each slide, even the ones she was initially scared of.

Later in the afternoon, they found a calm, sandy corner of Big Bird’s Beach to relax in, listing their favorite parts of the day so far. Cassie rested her head on Dante’s shoulder, feeling safe and loved. Dante, in turn, cherished this quiet moment; just being with his little sister was enough.

Exhausted but happy, they walked hand in hand out of the park at the end of the day. Dante and Cassie said goodbye with a long but happy hug, knowing that they’d be back together soon.