Stories of Us

FAMILIES IN NEED OF SUPPORT

Amelia is 11 years old and had difficulty asking for what she needed in school. VCS FINS helped Amelia to find her voice! Amelia now has self-confidence and the ability to negotiate relationships with her peers. Through her work with VCS, she will grow into a confident person ... changing the course of her life!

STUDENT ADVOCACY

During COVID, 15-year-old Ana, not only lost several family members to the illness, but she had also been hospitalized. This frightened her and she developed severe anxiety with panic attacks which threatened her ability to pass her grade. Through Student Advocacy, we accelerated her admission into our VCS Clinic, and she was soon receiving care. Not only did we provide her with the needed documentation for school, but our Dr. Price also recommended home instruction! In her safe space, Ana was able to catch up on all of her assignments! Ana soon returned to school and is doing very well.

MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC SERVICES

For 2 decades, Tom has experienced anxiety and depression as a result of leaving his home country and coming to America. With an unfamiliar language and culture, Tom began to feel inadequate and uncomfortable, and he soon could no longer leave his home. Our VCS Clinic helped Tom to belong. He is resilient and is regaining his confidence! It shows that we are never too old to find out we belong.

VCS COUNSELING - GRUPO DE MADRES

"Through El Grupo de Madres I found the support I needed. VCS and the other parents helped me feel that I could carry on. Thank you for your donations of food and clothing, but also for being that bridge of information to all the aid that exists in our county. Today I am strong! Thank you for helping me to see my value."

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM FOR MEN

Intimate partner violence is devastating to families. It's behind closed doors violence, making it difficult to know which of our friends, family, or neighbors experience this. Whatever brings the men to our VCS DVPM class, we turn it into an opportunity for him, his partner, and the entire family. Jim shared, "I learned a lot from the class. I learned that I can act differently toward my partner in stressful situations. Also, I learned that it's up to me to change. Thank you for taking the time and effort to teach this class."

VCS COUNSELING - PUENTES

After experiencing horrific violence and rape at the hands of her husband, Teresa came to the United States for a new life. In her own words: "I found my safe space with PUENTES. Thanks to PUENTES, I have learned to conquer my fears, insecurities, and walk with my head held high. I've been able to let go of my inner guilt, thinking that somehow, I was at fault for what he did to me. I am now a person of value, courage, and strength!"

RELATIVES AS PARENTS

Sonia thought she was done raising children. Now, she finds herself raising 2 grandchildren. Her daughter is mired in substance use the way so many Rocklanders are. She loves her grandchildren, but it can be a difficult and lonely experience. Through her weekly RAPP Support Groups, Sonia finds camaraderie among her new friends; she shares issues and is listened to with compassion and understanding. Sonia no longer feels alone.

SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS & THEIR FAMILIES

Mary is no longer lonely. As a homebound 95-year-old widow, she has had more than her share of social isolation. Now, she receives weekly visits with her VCS Volunteer Counselor where she shares her fears of dying, past regrets and hopes for the future. Mary no longer feels alone. In VCS she has found a friend and her life's meaning.

PARENTING APART

For Jade, separated from her husband, she felt stressed, isolated, embarrassed, and even angry. She didn't know how to co-parent while there were so many damaging and derogatory statements from both sides. Through the VCS Parenting Apart classes, Jade was awakened to another's point of view. That of her child, who was experiencing her own pain and suffering because of the separation. Jade hadn't realized she placed her child in the middle of the conflict. Through this revelation, Jade was able to pivot, take control of what she could and let go of the rest. Jade now places her child first!

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