| A Safe Place |
 Yolanda’s third day in CMHA’s after school program was also her ninth birthday. When she was surprised by a birthday cake presented by singing staff and children, Yolanda ran. She ran as if her life depended upon it. Around and around the building she went, with a mental health worker in close pursuit. Suddenly the staff member turned around and ran in the opposite direction. As he turned the corner, he came face to face with Yolanda. Yolanda froze and then screamed out in fear and began to cry hysterically.“You’re safe! You’re safe!” the mental health worker kept assuring her until finally, in a quiet room, Yolanda became calm. Such is a typical moment in the early stages of treatment for children who have undergone trauma. Yolanda’s years of physical abuse by her father had left her hyper vigilant and unable to trust adults. Even a pleasant experience such as a birthday celebration can trigger acute anxiety in a child who has had a history of unpleasant and violent surprises. Physical or sexual abuse, divorcing parents, poverty, witnessing violence – all are factors that can create behavioral health problems. All are beyond a child’s ability to avoid. Children are truly vulnerable, and they depend upon caring adults to help them overcome the devastation caused by trauma. For Yolanda, a growing trust in the adults in her after school program at CMHA is enabling her to overcome her anxiety and to build healthy relationships with other children. Won’t you partner with CMHA so that you can help us reassure children like Yolanda that they’re safe now and there can be a better tomorrow? With your help, we can continue to provide treatment, healing and hope. |
