By David duPlantier and Wendy Whiting Blome | Project Leaders
The war in Gaza continues, there is escalating violence in the West Bank, and tensions are building in Jerusalem. Palestinian children and families served by the Spafford Children's Center see it all—online, in news reports, and through personal incidents. For children the events can be difficult to understand and process. Their trauma is continuous, and often very complex. Trauma can manifest as heightened anxiety, withdrawal, and difficulties forming healthy relationships. Children experiencing stress and trauma may regress developmentally, and the services offered at SCC are critical to helping these children during this exceptionally stressful time.
The SCC is well positioned to respond to the need for trauma treatment with a program that involves individual and group counseling, art therapy, and recreation plus speech and occupational therapies and trauma-trained teachers in English, Arabic, and math. With a psychologist, social worker, and trauma treatment specialist, the SCC is offering in-person sessions for children and parents who can come to the Center as well as virtual meetings for families from refugee camps or areas where travel is restricted.
Consider Ahmad, a 9-year-old boy, living in East Jerusalem. He had seen home demolitions, adults and teens arrested, and had experienced taunts and threats as he walked to school. His mother said he had gone from being an “A” student to not wanting to go to school at all. She brought him to the SCC where he engaged in multiple activities over three months.
Ahmad had 12 individual counseling sessions with the SCC trauma specialist. These sessions provided a safe space for Ahmad to express and process his emotions, gradually unraveling the complexities of his traumatic experiences. Additionally, he participated in group activities that fostered a sense of community and understanding among peers who shared similar challenges.
Expressive therapies played a pivotal role in Ahmad's healing process. Through art, storytelling, and other creative outlets, he was able to externalize and make sense of his emotions. These therapeutic activities were tailored to address the unique emotional wounds Ahmad carried, offering him alternative channels for self-expression.
The Trauma Program extended its support to Ahmad's family, offering them six counseling sessions. This comprehensive approach equipped his family with the necessary tools and knowledge to create a supportive home environment, reinforcing the positive impact of the services Ahmad received at SCC.
In addition, Ahmad enrolled in SCC English and math tutoring classes where one or two other students worked with a teacher to make progress quickly. Soon he had regained his love of learning and made progress in his studies.
Your donation to the American Friends of the Spafford Children's Center helps provide these desperately needed services. Please urge your friends and family to donate to the American Friends of the Spafford Children's Center at: https://goto.gg/31839.
With thanks,
The Very Rev. David duPlantier, Vice Chairand
By David duPlantier and Wendy Whiting Blome | Project Leaders
By Matthew Dayton-Welch and Wendy Whiting Blome | Project Leaders
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