Pictured above is Cyndie with one of her geriatric patients.

In 2001, Erin Aylor had a strong desire to adopt a foster child in need.  After talking with her husband, the couple decided to wait to consider the option until after they had children.  The desire never waned over the years, and after two precious boys, Erin still had a strong desire to help foster children.  However, the Lord saw fit to bring a change into her life.  In June of 2008, Erin was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the late age of 31.  Knowing that the Lord put Type 1 Diabetes in her life for a reason, this registered dietitian and educator began praying for understanding.  The Lord soon spoke to her about opening a home for girls in need who have Type 1 Diabetes.  Through the unfortunate death of beloved Kate Goodson, age 6, Erin and Cyndie's parents were introduced via Bennita Goodson.  Praise God for allowing His glory to shine even through such a tragedy.  Erin and the Stewarts (Max and Peggy) spoke soon after the funeral, and from then on the mission was set in motion.  

As a board, it was decided in August of 2009 that the home would focus on helping girls ages 14-18 who are currently in the foster care system and are legally free for adoption.  The home will also consider care for girls ages 14-18 who are not yet in the public care system but who are in dire situations.  Referrals will be accepted and considered from school administrators, churches, family members, and court officials.  The home will support adoption efforts of husband and wife couples for all girls within their care that are legally free for adoption.  The home is not an adoption agency.  As these young ladies will be nearing independence, extra attention will be given to ensure there is plenty of education regarding self-care and self-advocacy once each has reached adulthood.  Each young lady will be encouraged to take ownership of her diabetes while receiving love and nurturing care.  The home will provide care for all aspects of living including needs that are medical, spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional.  Full-time, dedicated houseparents will provide proper role-modeling.  The future plans of the Home are to have a transitional house nearby for diabetic young women ages 18-22 who are in college, technical school, or on-the-job training.  The majority of these residents will be past family members of the Cyndie Parks Memorial Home for Girls.  Until there is a cure for diabetes, we will care for young diabetic girls in need.  To the best of current knowledge, this home is the very first in the nation specifically for diabetics in foster care.  Our goal is to help them be Christ-loving, successful, self-sufficient, healthy young women who develop their own sense of self about how they can serve as a positive ray of hope for others.  The Lord can use any situation to his glory, and we believe this is true for both diabetes and foster care.  May God's glory be shown through this home's ministry. 

It is the goal of the board to have the home operational as soon as funding allows.  Pending successful completion of the capital fundraising campaign, purchase and closure on the home will occur.  The board will then continue its work towards opening the home as soon as possible.  Already, girls in need are waiting for this home.

The home is named after Cynthia Faith Parks, born on August 21st of 1962 in Ellijay, Georgia to Peggy Jean (Buchanan) and the late Henry Herman Parks. She accepted the Lord as her Savior in her late twenties in Dalton, GA.  She loved butterflies and yellow was her favorite color...especially in yellow roses.  Her favorite song was "I'll Fly Away", and her favorite Bible verse was John 3:16 that is loved by so many: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."  She graduated from Gilmer High School in 1980.  She then attended the Pickens Tech nursing program where she graduated and received her credentials for an L.P.N.  Cyndie loved working with all types of patients but especially the geriatric population.  She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age thirteen.  Cyndie was what is termed a "brittle" diabetic. Even with the best of medical care and concern for her own health, her diabetes was always a battle and struggle.  Diabetes did take her eyesight and its complications her life at the early age of 45.  Through this home, her caring legacy will live on.