A Community of HOPE

This impactful story from our affiliates from The Center for Family Justice in Connecticut shares how we give trauma-impacted youth a sense of identity and purpose that helps them overcome adversity.

Across the nation, the Camp HOPE America model supports children and families in their journey toward their hope and healing. While receiving counseling at one of our affiliated Family Justice Centers, this participant’s mother enrolled him in our program. Our year-round mentoring program, Pathways, and weeklong overnight camp taught him to speak bravely, value himself, and be confident in his abilities.

Feeling safe for the very first time, he shared his story of growing up in a home with severe abuse and neglect. Protected by a responsive Hope Team—the volunteers, mentors, camp counselors, and staff that make our work possible, he was connected to additional resources to help him on his path to hope and healing. When he was not actively engaged with the program, there was a decline in his grades, attendance and well-being. When the opportunity to re-engage was available, he was welcomed with open arms and continued to thrive in the supportive Camp HOPE America community.

Our long-term continuum of care gave him the opportunity to grow despite chronic adversity. His talent, creativity, and supportive Hope Team empowered him to become a published author at the age of 14 and act in multiple theatre productions and films. The camp was honored to witness his ukelele rendition of our Goodnight Song, and that experience inspired him to write his first album. He found his voice in the unwavering support of his Camp HOPE America community and uses it to bring awareness to childhood trauma and to challenge harmful stereotypes.