LaToya, a mother to four young sons, tells her story of turning trauma into triumph. Her family’s journey is not over yet, but with your help they have come further than she ever imagined:
“Five years ago my children’s father went to prison for a crime he did not commit. When he got out, I made him promise that he would do everything he could to be in his children’s lives and not be taken away from them again. He brought them so much joy and was so important to them. A year after that, he and his brother were fatally shot. This violence and trauma has really affected my family.
My two oldest sons, Ja’Rell (age 8) and Isaac (age 7) were affected the most. They were bullying kids in school, not listening to teachers, and not being good students. Their aggression is what led our family to The Children’s Center and I am so thankful we found this place.
The Children’s Center is teaching my sons to work through their aggression and process their trauma. And they’ve taught me how to be a better parent. Before coming here, I had no idea how to handle their behavior and I would get so frustrated. Now I know the best ways to help my children. They really are improving every day.
My boys have become attached to their therapists. They’ve opened up so much and we are all so much better. I recommend The Children’s Center to everyone I know. I am so thankful for everything that they have done for us.”
LaToya is turning her trauma into triumph in more ways than one. She is organizing a concert of local rap and hip hop artists, Stand Up, to raise awareness, bring communities together, and work with the city to end the violence. The concert will take place in August 2019. We hope you will join her in her fight.
