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! 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.
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