Dear Whole Child,
When my husband and I suddenly found ourselves taking care of our two nephews, we could tell they had some real emotional and behavioral issues.  Upset by the sudden suicide of their mother, the boys, ages 9 and 12, were constantly fighting, refused to follow directions, and disrupted our home.

We were referred to The Whole Child (Intercommunity Child Guidance Center), where our two nephews began individual therapy every week.  The counselors also met with my husband and me, and even our 11-year-old and 5-year-old sons, helping us learn how to adjust to the new dynamics.

What a difference The Whole Child made for us!  Over the course of several months of therapy, our nephews behavior and mood improved greatly.  They began to experience success in school.  They adjusted to life within our household, and we learned how to incorporate them into our family.

As the boys get deeper into their teens, we have returned to The Whole Child for help in dealing with the struggles of adolescence.  Our nephews were at risk of going down a path of self-destruction, but now they are heading on the road to success. 
                                          ---Mary D.

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There are many reasons children may require professional counseling services:

* loss of a parent [or other traumatic event]
* traumatic home life [interpersonal violence
   witnessed in the home]
* sexual abuse
* emotional health issues [prolonged sadness, 
   withdrawn behavior, school failure, isolation, 
   aggression and others]

Issues impacting the emotional well-being of children are universal.  They exist regardless of income, ethnicity, age and gender.  We at The Whole Child provide professional counseling services to help children overcome these emotional and behavioral challenges and get back on the road to success.  No one is turned away, regardless of ability to pay.

With your support, we embrace all children, creating positive outcomes in their lives and remaining ever-mindful that emotionally healthy children are the heart of our future.

Good news!  Right now, your gift will have twice as much impact.  Thanks to a challenge grant from the Albert and Bettie Sacchi Foundation, your donation will be matched--doubled--so we can help twice as many children build emotionally healthy lives. 

Thank you, on behalf of the children.

Charlene Dimas-Peinado, LCSW, EML
Chief Executive Officer