Sheilah Dorame entered a different world, she said, when she started volunteering at Children's Village at 19.

"I was kind of in shock to see everything these kids were going through," she said, adding that growing up she had never faced the abuse or financial desperation plaguing families of children the nonprofit took in.

Dorame wanted to help, she said. At Children's Village, she witnessed how basic contributions could mold a life.

"I have seen so many horrific, horrible things, and then see the switch of how amazing the community is to this place," she said. "There's more good than bad."

All of it is what has kept Dorame there, working her way through college at Children's Village, then staying on to climb up the ranks to agency director.

In 20 years, she has seen some children return, others move on to graduate and become parents themselves.

"I'm 40. I've been here half my life," said Dorame, a Hayden resident and now also a mother of a 7-year-old and 18-month-old. "I feel like I've grown up here."

Children's Village celebrated Dorame's two-decade commitment with an award for dedication on Wednesday, at a banquet for staff members who have contributed years of service to the nonprofit.

Children's Village houses children who are abused, neglected or whose families are in crisis.

Also honored Wednesday was Sharon Culbreth, past board member who helped found the nonprofit in the '80s.

Culbreth, a Realtor, recalled the painstaking efforts of finding the 15-acre land for the organization and going door-to-door to convince neighbors of the need.

"People either didn't think we could do it, or didn't think it was a problem," said Culbreth, who received the Heart of Gold award.

Culbreth persisted out of a desire to see all children respected, she said, reflecting that as a teen she was kicked out of high school every year but one.

"I really thought everyone deserved a fair shake," she said.

Co-founder Anne Fox-Clarkson said Culbreth has consistently purchased new clothes for the Children's Village children, and helped land a more than $100,000 contribution to the nonprofit.

"I'm always praying for help, then Sharon does something," Fox-Clarkson said. "I don't even have to talk to her. It just happens."

Janie Givas, development director for Children's Village, applauded both women's contributions.

Dorame has an easy way with the children, she said, adding that many return as adults with their own kids to prove the impact that she has had on them.

"It's amazing to see mothers with their kids who say, 'I wouldn't be the mother I am today if it wasn't for your help,'" Givas said.

Awards were also given to staff members Krista McNamee, Kim Wilhelm and Sandra Whittbeck.

McNamee, 24, said being housed at Children's village when she was younger has shaped her life.

"It's like a family, people who will always accept you and support you," she said.

She remembered days that Dorame took her picnicking and hiking. Dorame provided her with basics like toothpaste and Christmas presents when the girl's family wasn't able to, she added.

"She gave me a Roxy sweater. Do you now how important that is as a kid?" McNamee said. "After being here, I know I'll be a better parent. And I understand people's backgrounds. I appreciate where they're coming from and have more compassion."

McNamee assured she will never stop pitching in at the nonprofit she loves.

"I will always come back," she said. "You can never leave here."