They have someone to turn to, someone to look back on that really cared. Someone that can continue to guide them into adulthood. Quite frankly, it is the most important job you'll ever do. I will not tell you it is not sometimes difficult, because it is. Many people donate money to institutions for the care of these children, and I will not minimize that contribution because it is necessary.
Many people donate clothes to groups, and buy presents at holidays.
Of course that is important, but not nearly as important as putting your imprint on the heart, soul and mind of a child. Let me assure you that you are the most important link that they have to a future. It will be you and you alone that has given them the one opportunity to turn their lives around. These children are not perpetrators of anything. They are the victims of everything.