AN ABUSE SURVIVORS STORY OF SUCCESS

I would like to share a story with you from the Changing Futures program (CFP) at KHCC.

Changing Futures deals with the most sensitive of social issues and helps families break the cycle of sexual and domestic abuse, neglect and family violence. It enables families to heal so that they can move forward and live happier and more productive lives.

Our experienced and professionally trained counselors work confidentially with families in classes that concentrate on the emotional understanding of what it means to be a parent. It helps them reflect on their own upbringing and envision a positive future for themselves and their children.

“Parenting Journey is more than just a “how to” class, it’s an opportunity for parents to develop as nurtured and nurturing people and helps them be capable of making responsible and informed choices in rearing their children” Said Sagrario Garcia, Community Coordinator.

“PARENTS EMERGE FROM OUR PROGRAM WITH THE SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE TO LEAD THEIR FAMILIES TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE.”

This difficult work is rewarded with stories of hope and success such as the story below, where parents emerge from our program with the skills and confidence to lead their families to a brighter future. Names have been changed for privacy reasons.

Sarah was referred to CFP via the Preventive Services Department in early 2014. Sarah reported that she had experienced domestic abuse by her former partner. She also shared that her former partner had sexually abused her teen daughter, which later resulted in a pregnancy. She sought assistance after she was informed by school representatives that her son Joe, had become disruptive and defiant with school personnel. His negative behavior also became aggressive in the home, towards his siblings. School officials expressed their concerns to Sarah regarding Joe’s negative behavior and speculated that it may stem from the past overt abuse towards female family members on behalf of Sarah’s former partner, who is also Joe’s biological father.

Joe was referred to CFP and commenced treatment in June 2014 and symptoms subsided in March 2015.  Joe began to follow rules and regulations at school and improved his relationships in the home. Despite the many visible changes with Joe, Sarah wanted to focus on improving her emotional state. She was also aware that making a decision to attend services for her own needs would also assist Joe’s progression.

“IT WAS A JOURNEY THAT TOOK HER FROM HELPLESS TO HOPEFUL.”

Sarah signed up for Parenting Journey which consisted of 12 sessions. It was a journey that took her from hopeless to hopeful. During the 12 sessions, Sarah was able to reflect on her negative past and pinpoint how it was having an influence on her present. Parenting Journey enlightened Sarah regarding breaking the chain of abuse and not allowing it to continue to impact her life or that of her children and the following generations.

I witnessed her self-confidence grow enormously as she slowly implemented the skills she acquired. On the day of graduation I was fortunate to observe her positive interaction with her children. She stood strong, confident, loving and ready for the new journeys ahead.

The Changing Futures program also offers individual therapy, group therapy, and art therapy for both adults and children. Parenting Journey groups are extremely confidential and it’s a space where clients can feel comfortable to share their feelings and experiences.

If you or anyone you know needs help, contact us at info@khcc-nyc.org or call 718-884-0700 ext. 100.

BY ANASELIES RODRIGUEZ | RECEPTIONIST/COLLEGE DIRECTIONS PARTICIPANT & SAGRARIO GARCIA | CFP COMMUNITY COORDINATOR.