CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“I’m a 19 year old male and 12 years ago, when I was 7, I was sexually molested 3 times by an older boy. All 3 times were very tragic for me and left me questioning if it was all my fault. I had serious anxiety at the time and play therapy helped me learn that what happened wasn’t my fault. Children often like to be around other kids their age. After being a victim, I didn’t want to be near other kids my age anymore, I thought everyone would try to do the same thing to me, and I couldn’t get the thoughts out of my mind.
Play therapy helped me become a warm person again. It helped me want to be social again and recognize that what happened to me isn’t in everyone’s intentions. The other type of therapy introduced was art therapy. When something tragic happens to a child, they are often bothered by certain situations, conversations, and daily activities that may remind them of the incident. I remember being angered when people would bring up the offender’s name or anything anywhere close to a sexual remark. I was angered by close engagement with other children, and I hated school. Art therapy helped me remove that anger and frustration built up from when I was put in those uncomfortable situations, conversations and activities. It gave me a way to express those feelings visually.
All of this has made me a better person in every way. I realize what happened to me isn’t my fault and the feelings I felt were completely normal. I’m glad I got help when I did or I’d still be the same way today.”
19-year-old client
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“Lucy’s presence in my daughter’s life, beginning last fall, made the difference between me feeling helpless and worried as a parent, with my daughter lacking the ability to have any semblance of emotional regulation to me feeling a sense of hope and witnessing progress with my daughter, and my daughter learning to navigate her difficult feelings. Progress was made during such a substantially difficult time, placing my daughter and our family on a path of healing. Lucy brought light into seemingly endless darkness. She showed my daughter a way through the grief and despair. Through art, the healing began. Without the grant, my daughter and I would have undoubtedly struggled much, much longer.”
Parent of 15-year-old teen
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the support given to my daughter from this fund! I don’t know how we would have received the level of help without it and am soooo appreciative to have Tammy as a result of it. The creative arts that were used during sessions have been invaluable. I can’t imagine her mental health without it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to all of the members of the committee that made this possible!”
Parent of a 16 year old teen
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“Boy, what can I say…. but my sincerest of thanks to you all for giving my daughter this opportunity. More than just her life, but our lives have really depended on it. Words can’t be found to express my feelings right now, but will do my best to capture them in this statement – gratitude, appreciation, thankful, valued, loved and cared for. Biggest of thanks!!!!”
Parent of a 12 year old
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“They actually hung out together the day after your class, which hasn’t happened all year. Definitely positive results immediately.”
Parent of two teenage siblings ages 13 and 14
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“About ten years ago I discovered that my young daughters had been exposed to a situation that should not be a part of any child’s life. They were 7 and 4 at the time. The process we had to follow was overwhelming and unnerving. During that time we were led to a child therapist who worked closely with us as a family but specifically with the girls through play and art therapy to understand and guide them through any issue or concerns that they had. She was patient, understanding and a source of comfort to both myself and my girls. Now into their high school careers, both girls have grown into wonderful, engaging young ladies. I am thankful for all of the help, love and guidance we received during a very stressful period of our lives.”
Parent of two young girls