My client is a 12-year-old male who was referred to the Healing Path program by Warren Township due to his history of complex trauma. The client’s history of trauma includes: his biological father and primary caregiver passed away due to a heart condition when the client was four years old, witnessing domestic violence instances between his biological mother and her paramour, being in a house which was intentionally set on fire by his mother’s companion after a domestic violence incident when the client was 8 years old, witnessing significant community violence, and witnessing his biological mother participate in illegal activities and be incarcerated multiple times. Currently the client is residing with his paternal grandfather who also suffers from the same heart condition as the client’s biological father. In September of 2013, the client had numerous physical symptoms and he was told that he could also suffer from the same heart condition as his father and grandfather. Since then the client’s test results have concluded that his heart is healthy.
At the onset of therapeutic services the client’s grandfather identified one of his primary concerns as their lack of support in the community. The client’s grandfather expressed a desire to relocate closer to his family in Kentucky due to not having the necessary supports in the area.
Aside from engaging in therapeutic services it became apparent that this family needed case management assistance. I provided the client’s grandfather with numerous resources in the community which could assist with more concrete resources. The client’s grandfather contacted all of the referrals. I also worked with Mother’s Trust to receive funding for the client to participate in a local football team. I served as a liaison between the client’s grandfather and the client’s school. As a result the client participated in the basketball team and the client’s grandfather was able to attend the games at no charge.
On Thursday, January 16th I met with the client’s grandfather, during this session he told me that because of my work “I have changed their life”, moving to Kentucky no longer seems like an option due to the amount of support that they have. The client’s grandfather communicated that due to my efforts and collaboration they now have a case worker from the Lake McHenry Veterans and Family Services. The client’s case worker has helped the family with food, stable housing, obtaining a washer, housekeeping help for the home, and a new vehicle. The client’s grandfather had never sought services to process his own history of trauma because he believed he would not be eligible for counseling services at the VA due to his discharge status from the military after WWII.
The client’s grandfather shared that in his life he has never received support as he has from The Healing Path. He said that it’s clear that those of us helping him do not do it as just a “job” but rather because we are passionate about helping others. The client’s grandfather said The Healing Path has not only changed his life and the life of his grandson but has also changed who he is as a person. He is amazed at the kindness and willingness to help that he has found in our community.
Needless to say I was touched by the comments of the client’s grandfather. It is a good reminder of why we do the work we do.”
