It’s that time of year again and another school year has begun. This is a critical period in all our programs but especially our Day Treatment program that serves Iredell County. Social, environmental, and relational pressures can be the barrier to success and health for a kid, especially in a transitional time like a new school year. And, our dedicated teams of therapists and support staff are preparing for more cases than ever of youth struggling with their mental health.

Our therapists are changing lives every day, and so are you! Your support makes it possible for us to provide care for kids who need us the most, like Jackie and Timothy.

Meet Jackie

Lately, Jackie has worn only her old baggy jeans and dark hoodie. She is grieving her cousin who committed suicide this year. As a young teen navigating grief for the first time, she is trying to hide her pain through stubbornness and oversized clothes. Before this tragedy happened, Jackie was upbeat and artsy. Now, she is on the verge of tears every day and lashes out at her mom, refusing to wear any other clothes but that hoodie and jeans. Going back to school was the last thing she wanted to do, and her mom was worried about how the transition would go.

A few weeks before school started, Jackie’s mom heard about a team of CHA therapists at her daughter’s school and made a call. Jackie met her therapist in the familiar halls of her high school. At first, she wasn’t convinced this would lift the dark clouds she felt around her. But as she talked about her grief and her fears of the upcoming school year, she found hope. As the school year progresses, Jackie and her therapist will use cognitive behavioral therapy to continue processing her grief, understanding loss, and finding hope each day.

Meet Timothy

Timothy is a 12-year-old boy who has a diagnosis of mood and anxiety disorders. He had a tough time in school, where he often had emotional outbursts, struggled to follow rules, and found it hard to get along with adults and classmates. His mother was growing tired of the daily phone calls about his behavior and knew he needed more support.

That’s when Timothy began working on these challenges with the help of our Day Treatment team. Over time, he made great progress and even met many of his goals. He was eventually discharged from our program, but the transition didn’t go as smoothly as hoped. Without the support of our Day Treatment team, Timothy struggled and was recommended to return.

When he came back to the program, Timothy had a stronger sense of purpose. He was ready to make changes and became more focused on the process. He worked closely with our team to learn and use coping strategies that helped him stay calm, handle his emotions, and follow classroom routines more successfully.

Timothy began to take pride in his growth. He said this time felt different. He was learning new skills and using them every day. These changes were becoming part of his routine and who he was. His mother noticed the improvements too. She saw how hard Timothy worked with his therapist to build lasting coping strategies and shared how thankful she is for the support he received from our team.

Timothy is now preparing to discharge from our Day Treatment program at the end of the month. He feels confident and ready. He wants to show others and himself that his progress is real. Most of all, he wants to make his family proud and keep building on the foundation he’s worked so hard to create.

Because of caring people like you, students and families have support available to navigate depression, anxiety, and devastating life changes.

The mental health crisis is on the rise. Our teens are experiencing more mental hardships than ever before. Will you join us at the frontlines of the mental health crisis, supporting youth in schools, offices, and at their homes? Your gift or participation in our supply drive will help children and families find hope and success this school year!