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Debi 

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My name is Debi Gevry Ellsworth. I spent ten years (1964 - 1974) in the hell hole known as St Joseph’s Orphanage. My number was 24. In all honest I haven’t a clue how I survived the hatred and abuse at St. Joseph’s but I have. My brother (Ronald Paul Gevry, #2, 1961 - 1995) was not so fortunate. May he rest in peace.

 

I never understood when I was told, “Life is what you make of it.” How could that be when I was continually told I would amount to nothing at all? Can you make something from nothing? Despite the teachings and the torture of the nuns I have learned to love and laugh and to hold my children close. I have learned to live and I am forever grateful for all I have met on this journey called life. May God bless you all.

Oral History Clips:

WARNING: Explicit Content

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"There were so many things that were done to me..."

Length- 2:34 Explicit

LISTEN TO AUDIO CLIP

 

"I couldn't believe when we got out of there"

Length- 3:37 Explicit

LISTEN TO AUDIO CLIP

 

"I've been doing a lot of writing--a lot of poetry, a lot of stories"

Length- 1:22

LISTEN TO AUDIO CLIP

 

Full Oral History

Length- 58:10

LISTEN TO DEBI'S FULL ORAL HISTORY

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ABOUT US >

The Final Report of the St. Joseph’s Orphanage Restorative Inquiry is now available to the public and can be found HERE.  If you would like to connect with Marc Wennberg, the lead facilitator of the Restorative Inquiry, you can do so here EMAIL.

CONTACT >

John Magnago

Email: teebear2@aol.com

Phone: 305-439-7760

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