Here’s how one family found the extra support to provide for their children at a time of crisis and need. It also points to the importance of community partnerships in our Central Valley communities.
As the holiday season approached last year, Lucy tried not to lose hope. She and her husband are loving, caring parents who were doing all they could to keep the family healthy and intact, but it is a large family with a lot of needs. Their oldest daughter, Catalina, had significant mental health issues.
When she was at home with the three younger siblings, Catalina was dangerous and abusive, which caused the younger kids to develop behavior issues of their own. Catalina was placed outside the home for a time, but when she returned, the others became unstable again.
In particular, 11-year-old Mia had trouble. She had behavior and mood issues, difficulty with social interactions and an extra need for attention in their large family. Her mom got Mia into our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program, which provides intensive mental health services. Mia was willing to work on her issues but her ACT team knew it would take some time and work with Mia and the whole family.
In the meantime, on top of all the other stress upon the family, Lucy felt the pressures of the approaching holiday. There was little enough for their everyday needs. That’s when we learned that a local agency, Family Options, had an opening for one of our families to be sponsored for the holidays. Through Family Options’ gracious support, Lucy’s family was able to celebrate and receive gifts.
When local agencies, businesses and people like you reach out during the difficult holiday season, it makes all the difference.
