Like all automobile accidents, Margie Banister's was entirely unexpected. Her day began like most others. She awoke early to fold a basket of laundry, enjoy a few minutes of quiet and cook breakfast for her children.

Margie hurried the children through breakfast and watched her four oldest Tom, 16 years old; Clint, 14; Kelley 13; and Kim 12, climb aboard the school bus. Then she loaded her “babies” Seth 10, and Ann 8, into her van and dropped them off at school.

On her way home, Margie sipped her coffee as she merged onto the interstate. That was the last memory this single mom would have for a week. She was side-swiped by an SUV, forced into a concrete barrier and struck by another car from behind. Margie’s injuries were substantial – she would spend seven weeks in the hospital. Physical therapy would last for several more months.

The kids were devastated and scared. With Margie in the hospital, no father at home or family nearby, the children were placed into the custody of the state. Chances were that the family would be placed in several different shelters–the teen boys in one, the teen girls in another, the “babies” in a shelter for younger children. Such a placement would further fracture the family and re-traumatize the children.

Thankfully, the Banister children were placed in the Heartland Family Service Stephen K. and Cheryl Wild Children’s Emergency Shelter. The shelter is one of few in the Heartland that houses both males and females, from birth to 18 years of age. Instead of being broken apart, these siblings were able to live together; to support each other in the way that only a family can.

Big brothers Tom and Clint kept a watchful eye over their brothers and sisters. Kelley and Kim provided much needed hugs and comfort for Ann and Seth. The children continued to attend their own schools, to share meals and to spend time together. The children met with a professional counselor individually and as a group. These sessions helped them all to sort out their feelings. This was especially important for Tom, who was working hard to put on a brave face for his younger siblings. The opportunity to express his concerns honestly was essential for his well-being.

The Banister children returned home with their mother two months later. A tearful Margie later thanked the Shelter staff in a letter. “Knowing my children were together and well cared for” she said, “allowed me to focus more on my recovery and less on worrying about my kids.”