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46 °F Forecast | Road Cams Monday, January 19, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend December 13, 2003 Teen seeks warmth from the cold EDITOR’S NOTE: "Light One Candle" is the Mail Tribune’s annual program that highlights a single need of a person, family or agency during the holidays. By JONEL ALECCIA Mail Tribune "She’s an amazing little spirit." That’s how Marlene Mish, principal of CrossRoads School in Medford, describes the 16-year-old with the tragic past. Born to a drug-using mother, the girl lived in their car until she was 6, when her mom was sent to prison. The girl went to live with her father. Shortly after, he was badly hurt in an off-road vehicle accident, which left him a paraplegic. From ages 10 to 12, the girl was his primary caregiver. After a two-year bout with depression, her father committed suicide, leaving the girl with no support. Advertisement Since then, she has lived from couch to couch, holding odd jobs, attending school when she can. Right now, she’s living out of a car, working full time and attending CrossRoads. "When I talk to her, it’s all I can do not to cry," says Mish, whose school is a program of Community Works in Medford. "But I don’t because she’s such a resilient young woman." Although she knows the odds are stacked against her, the girl hopes to go to college, Mish says. In the meantime, she’s working hard to graduate from school and to save money for a safe place to live. Such places are scarce; there are 32 young people on waiting lists for the Independent Living Program run by Community Works. If the girl had a single holiday wish, it would be for a warm blanket or comforter to ward off freezing nights. Mish says she also could use a pillow and a warm coat, size small. To help this girl and other students at CrossRoads, call Mish at 770-1270, Ext. 104. Or call Community Works at 779-2393 for more information about their programs. Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times