Connor is a 9-year-old who joined our Day Treatment program with some big challenges. He often showed aggression, didn’t follow directions, and had trouble making friends. But despite how he appeared, Connor wasn’t angry – he was hurting. He didn’t need punishment; he was just a little boy who wanted to feel safe and be heard.
Our Day Treatment program is designed for children like Connor: kids who aren’t thriving in traditional classrooms and need a more supportive, therapeutic environment to continue their education. And it took more than one person to help Connor succeed in our Day Treatment program. It took a Village of Hope: a caring team of teachers, therapists, and support staff working together to help Connor not just on academics, but on healing and growth.
Our therapists worked to build trust with Connor from the very beginning. They spoke to him calmly, set clear expectations, and gave him choices to help him feel more in control. When he became overwhelmed, they offered him space to breathe and a quiet area where he could take a break.
Little by little, Connor began to change. One day, after a tough moment, Connor recognized his therapist’s redirection as a “teaching moment.” It was a big step forward. He was starting to see correction as care, not punishment. He began calming down faster and accepting redirection without getting upset. Instead of aggression, he started using words to share how he felt. When his team listened and acknowledged his emotions, Connor couldn’t help but smile. He was proud of himself.
Today, Connor is more focused and confident in school. He works on tasks by himself, asks questions when he needs help, and keeps trying even when things are hard. Connor enjoys having friends and now solves problems with them by talking instead of using aggression. He’s enjoying his childhood and showing just how far he’s come, thanks to his Village of Hope that stood behind him every step of the way.
You can join our Village of Hope and help more children like Connor feel safe and supported by donating today.
