Gia, 13, was a bright but quiet student who suddenly stopped coming to school. Concerned, I visited her home. Her mother looked terrified. Inside, I found Gia bruised and hiding in the bathtub—her stepfather had beaten her. I called the police immediately. He was arrested, and I stayed with Gia through the hospital stay.

Unable to return home, Gia was placed in a shelter through my sister. I visited daily, brought schoolwork and small gifts. Slowly, Gia began smiling again. A fundraiser I organized helped the shelter and kids like her. Her mom eventually left the abuser, joined the shelter, and they got a safe apartment.

Gia returned to school, grew stronger, and won a writing contest. But months later, her stepfather returned—this time with a knife. He was arrested again, this time for good. Gia began therapy, joined summer camp, made friends, and healed. She later received a state award for resilience.

Her mom pursued counseling, and Gia joined debate club. They shared their story publicly, inspiring others. Gia graduated high school with honors, studying social work to help kids like her.

She once wrote me: “Thank you for seeing me when I felt invisible.” I carry that letter to this day.