Jason Quick knows what it's like to be a child battered by life.

The Executive Director of Harris Home for Children came up hard, with an abusive father and a mother who was paralyzed as a result. Still, he grew up, got an education, and had a family. It wasn't easy. The memories of the punches and slaps and the gunshots haunted him.

"Back in those days," he says. "You didn't talk about It."

And now you do. Talking is part of the healing process. Quick, a former coach and assistant high school principal, heads up a staff of 52 at the Harris Home For Children, a shelter started in 1954 by Mrs. Chessie Harris. She was the daughter of sharecroppers, the granddaughter of slaves, and had a passion for helping children.

Harris Home provides shelter, tutoring, nurturing, and guidance for foster children from all over the state. Some arrive with only the clothes they're wearing. Some come with a tough attitude. Most come in fear. Once they settle into a dorm, they meet with social workers who know they have to be dependable and reliable and offer stability to children who've had little of that.

Currently, there are 31 residents at Harris Home, from 12-21 years of age.

Even when they act out, and they do, they learn that the staff won't throw them out. Lorraine Miles, Director of Harris Home's Social Services for 40 years, says the children need to know that. "Come hell or high water, we're going to stick with you."

"They have to know you care," she says, "and that you'll help them make plans. Want a good job? You have to go to school first. Want a cell phone? How much does that cost? How're you going to pay for it?"

Social worker Valerie Faine-Diggs, on the staff for 15 years, helps the children deal with the pain they've been through.

"Some neglectful parents were gone for days at a time, so we have a staff on duty 24-7 if the residents need us," she says. "Some of these children have grown up without the basics. They may not know what sheets are for or how to pick up after themselves. If you're hungry, cleaning is not what you're worried about."

And trust is an issue. "Never say you're going to do something unless you plan to do it."

Some of the children stay for months but most stay for years. Eventually, everybody "ages out" of the foster care system. Some keep in touch with Harris Home staff and some don't.

One staff member feels proud when he runs into former residents at the grocery store or at their work place. They tell him his advice about working hard and studying made a difference. "I didn't know they were listening," he says, "but they took it all in."

"They're out in the world now, being productive. I hope we had a part in that."

Feeding, housing, and counseling Harris Home children takes money. Though the home is a non-profit United Way Agency, it benefits from fund-raisers throughout the year.

The next one is on Oct. 2 at the Von Braun Center South Hall and is sponsored by The Huntsville Madison County Hospitality Association. This is the 43rd "tasting" of local food and beverages. Proceeds will go to the Harris Home for Children and the Downtown Rescue Mission. Tickets are at TasteofHsv.org