Non-Profit Organization Helps Teens Find Healing During Spring Break

Northern Texans spend their spring break in a variety of ways.

Some use this time to find healing.

Whole week, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center hosts a unique camp for teenagers recovering from abuse.

“All the girls who have been here this week have witnessed some kind of traumatic event and they are working with their symptoms of trauma related to the event,” said Mindy Jackson, director of support services for DCAC.

DCAC is the only agency of its kind in Dallas County that handles child abuse cases. They read every child abuse report made in Dallas County, which is about 30,500 reports each year.

Their team then works with law enforcement, Child Protective Services and other partner agencies to coordinate these cases and take care of these children and families.

“All of our services are free and children can come here with their caregivers to participate in therapeutic treatment,” Jackson said.

Center completes another year of CHAMP camp where CHAMP stands for WITHchildren HOURnutrition from Abus from Maxiom Ppotential.

On Wednesday, the last day of the camp, the staff organized a festive dinner and graduation ceremony for campers.

“On the first day, they are a little more reserved and a little nervous. But to this day, they say hello and love each other, because it normalizes that they can be around other children who have gone through similar situations, ”Jackson said.

This free camp is for girls aged 13 to 15 who have been victims of criminal child abuse in Dallas County and have completed an investigation with police and CPS. It is not open to the public and is only for children who are already on DCAC services.

Now they are using this special time during spring break to move forward with the recovery.

“We talk about self-esteem, we talk about coping skills, we share thoughts and ideas with each other,” said camp leader Farley Morris.

Morris works with other camp staff to guide campers through team building activities, from planting seeds of hope in their garden to making affirmation jars and other crafts.

“I see them sharing these things and I feel acknowledged. And see evidence that “I’m not alone in this.” I’m not the only one who has experienced something like this,” Farley said.

There are fears that the number of reports of abuse is increasing due to the pandemic and economic turmoil over the past two years.

“Right now we are seeing an influx of cases of physical abuse, we are seeing an increase in domestic violence,” Jackson said. “I have no reason why this is happening, but we all live in a difficult place. Stress is heavy, money is scarce. Money is tight. Which can increase the chaos in the house.

That’s why DCAC has also provided financial support and supplies such as clothing, toys, school supplies and other essentials for children to help them on their path to recovery from traumatic situations.

“With inflation, goods become more difficult to buy. For some of our families who are participating in basic resources and benefits through the state, they have run out,” Jackson said.

But there is hope and things will get better. The staff hopes that with this message these tourists will leave this week.

“It’s just a very, very fun energy to just improve the healing that they’re working on and their therapy services here, and really just to entertain the kids,” Jackson said. “It’s refreshing and so amazing to see girls coming in and they can be around like minded kids.”

During the summer, DCAC will prepare to host a similar camp for boys and another for younger children.

For more information about DCAC and volunteer opportunities, Click here.

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