Belinda Finds Safe Haven
In NYC
A drunk
driver killed Belinda’s older brother, leaving an indescribable void
in the lives of the 10-year-old and her mother. While in her NYC public
school a few months later, the girl’s sad brown eyes witnessed the
planes crash into the World Trade Center. The holiday season had its own
heartbreak when Belinda’s father left town. The fourth grader hasn’t
heard from him since. These three tragedies eventually took a toll on this
one small child, causing depression and anxiety.
Six months after 9/11, it was
estimated that 90% of New York public school children were suffering from
one or more symptoms (i.e. anger disorders, anxiety, behavior problems and
depression) of post-traumatic stress disorder. Operation Blessing had already
responded to the immediate needs of the disaster. Now it was time to help
bring joy back into the hearts of New York City’s boys and girls.
Through generous gifts from Operation Blessing partners, Franklin Street
Kids counseling center opened its lower Manhattan doors in January 2003
to children experiencing emotional difficulties after the events of 9/11!
“So many kids in New York City saw the towers collapse, not on
TV, but before their eyes,” remarked Operation Blessing’s
New York director Jim Esposito. “The images from the war with Iraq
are very reminiscent of 9/11. Working together with professional therapists
and clergy, Operation Blessing is extending God’s love to help them
along their healing journey.”
Do you remember Belinda? Her mother enrolled her into Franklin Street
Kids in January. During the 10-week program, Belinda and her mother had
a personal session with New York state licensed child psychologist Rick
Holmes. The young girl also participated in seven group therapy sessions
designed for children ages 7-12. During this time, the boys and girls
were encouraged to learn principles of thinking, feeling and doing as
well as interacting with their peers and professionals. When this short-term
approach was complete, Belinda was less afraid of traveling within the
Ground Zero area. Her mother says that she communicates more effectively
and deals with emotions better.
“Franklin Street Kids provides a ‘safe haven’ for those
children who are confused, hurting and in need not only because of the
9/11 tragedy and the war in Iraq, but also because life in New York City
can be a daunting experience. We are providing excellence in professional
services while creating a place of healing,” shares therapist Susan
Grande.
A child drew the above dark picture during one of her first therapy sessions.
She has since completed the program and her parent reports, “The
counseling group has given us both supportive ways to cope and understand
my child’s feelings. She has been able to express some of her feelings
with me and [it has] taught her how to deal with anger.”
 The
goal of Franklin Street Kids and its’ staff of five is to be an
instrument of healing and recovery for children. So far, more than sixteen
children and seven parents have benefited from the weekly sessions. Operation
Blessing’s grant has also allowed them to share space and counseling
rooms with Living Word Christian Counseling Center. Partnering together,
these two groups refer clients to each other’s programs and offer
the Grief Support Group.
There are so many more hurting children like Belinda. Your gift of $25
or more can help Bless-A-Child programs reach out to boys and girls around
the world.
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