When families enter our Project CONTACT program, we let them know that in addition to receiving free CFTSI therapy, we will also support them with other needs they may have – and that we’re eager to help, regardless of the request.
Our Family Advocates (FA) and Family Engagement Specialists (FES) maintain comprehensive lists of agencies across the metro area that provide resources our clients may need.
Many families specifically ask for rental and utility assistance. Although our grant can’t provide this directly, our FA and FES have lots of experience connecting families with agencies that can.
Other families have immediate physical needs, like household items and clothing. Recently, we have connected families to a new nonprofit in Olivette called The Bridge, which provides dignified private shopping experiences in their thrift store. We have also made several referrals to the Butterfly Haven, a fantastic resource that is able to provide brand new beds to families who are in crisis or are in the foster care system.
Oftentimes, families feel overwhelmed trying to navigate complex medical, legal, and financial systems. We can help reduce their anxiety and frustration, as we recently did by connecting a family to resources that helped them waive an expensive hospital bill.
Sometimes the help families need is less tangible. For example, we have also made several referrals to Bikers Against Child Abuse, which connects bikers with families who are concerned about their physical safety during a child abuse investigation or trial. The bikers can go to the family’s house to provide a sense of physical safety or accompany the families to court dates.
Occasionally, providing families help requires a bit of diligent research. Recently, one of our families had to quickly relocate to Oklahoma. To help ease that transition, we were able to find them resources ahead of their move.
It’s also important to know that even though CFTSI is a brief modality, our FA and FES are available to help families even after therapy has ended. We also make an effort to reconnect with families three months after their formal discharge to check in and help assess if any additional services are needed. Reconnecting with families in this way is often a heartening experience – seeing how they’re adjusting to life after their traumas.