Help Brighten the Lives of Children in Poverty

Since its founding in 2018, DUO, Dame Una Oportunidad, which translates into English as “give me a chance” has been dedicated to addressing mental health issues with a focus on suicide prevention.  Through public awareness campaigns, educational programs, collaboration with health service providers and community support groups, DUO is working diligently to inform and increase the community’s understanding of mental health issues and their related consequences as well as providing education and training about prevention strategies that can provide protection against self-destructive behavior or suicide. CAA is proud to be able to provide a monthly financial contribution to support DUO’s live-saving initiatives in the greater San Ramon area.

While the factors that negatively affect mental well-being can have a serious impact on individuals of any age, the impact on children and youth, especially those who live in extreme poverty, can be particularly devastating. Childhood is a time when identities and beliefs about the way the world works are formed and when children struggle without appropriate nurturing or support, their capacity to develop into confident, intact and self-affirming adults is compromised.

To help address the mental health needs of an at-risk population of children, DUO recently conducted a workshop for 4^th and 6th graders at the Los Jardines School, a elementary school located in one of the most challenging and difficult neighborhoods in San Ramon. Extreme poverty, abuse, bullying, self-harm, parental divorce, drugs, and violence are part of the everyday lives of the children who live and attend school there. During the workshop through a series of interactive games and activities mental health professionals and trained volunteers helped the children reflect in a safe and supportive environment on some of the risks and stressors that are part of their lives. The children also learned that while they might not have the ability to change or eliminate the risks, they can develop the ability to be aware of their reactions and employ healthy and constructive life skills to help protect their mental well-being. These are significant lessons to learn at an early age or at any age for that matter.

Thank you so much to CAA’s members and friends whose ongoing contributions allow us to continue to help make a positive difference to the mental well-being of those in our adopted community.