Anyone who is a parent knows that remote learning has created a lot of anxiety for children and parents. Between quarantine isolation, COVID-19 depression/anxiety, and trauma from media images, children’s and parents’ mental health is threatened, especially as families prepare for the upcoming school year. Especially for children who feel deeply, relying on a mental health professional has been an anchor during a stormy time.
An example of one child who has faced challenges is a girl who met Suzie Hughes, Executive Director at One Life Counseling, in the girl’s 2nd-grade classroom. They started working together before COVID-19, when her goals were to improve her ability to focus, regulate, and learn about her emotions. Then their in-person time was abruptly interrupted due to shelter-in-place. But through Zoom meetings, they were able to continue weekly sessions and remain connected.
As the months passed and the girl’s needs increased, One Life was able to provide supplementary sessions to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine and provide a connection to the school. The child and her family are grateful for the care, constant communication, and support.
Due to funding from Menlo Church, this girl and her family are not the only ones who are benefitting from extra support during this anxious time. One Life has been able to support the mental health of 40 high-needs, low-income families or individuals who would otherwise not have access to care. Each individual or family served by the grant received an average of 10 mental health therapy sessions at no cost. “We could not do our work without the help of Menlo Church,” says Suzie Hughes, Executive Director at One Life Counseling. “Your gift continues to provide stabilizing services to individuals who normally cannot afford treatment. Our staff at One Life will continue to be available for those you know who need individual, group, or family support!”
