Cindy Burton

Cindy Burton can’t say enough about Parent Help USA. It’s a place

where any parent can turn when the going gets rough, even if the

parent is on the verge of becoming abusive or if he or she has

crossed that line.

“They don’t judge. All they care about is helping people,” Burton

said. “They restored my faith in human beings.”

The organization, which is in need of more volunteers, is

dedicated to preventing child abuse. They do this by working with

parents, offering counseling, food, financial assistance, parenting

classes, children’s Christmas gifts and even services like coming to

read to children to give parents a break.

Burton, who lives in Garden Grove, became a volunteer at the Costa

Mesa-based organization nine years ago after first coming to it for

guidance in caring for her 1-year-old and newborn.

“They don’t judge you. They understand,” Burton said. “When most

of society would think that you’re a monster, a loser, all they care

about is helping.”

Burton’s duties include working the phones, performing

administrative tasks at the organization’s Costa Mesa office,

delivering food and other jobs.

Her years at the organization are filled with memorable moments

when the rewards of helping others were greater than she could have

ever imagined nine years ago.

“It’s overwhelmingly rewarding,” she said. “If you love children,

just the things you see when you volunteer here, it’s overwhelming.”

-- Story by June Casagrande,

Photo by Sean Hiller