Success Stories
Family, Individual & Group Counseling
"Naomi" was overwhelmed. Her daughter and son-in-law's lives were spiraling out of control with drug use and imprisonment. As a result, Naomi had taken in her grandson, "Joe". Only four years old, Joe's behavior reflected the chaos that he grew up with. He was acting out his frustration and anger at his parents by getting into fights at school almost daily and threatening the other children in school. Naomi desperately wanted her grandson to stay in her home where he would be safe, but she realized she did not know how to help Joe. Then Naomi heard about Foothill Family's Grandparent's Support Group. From the Support Group, Naomi developed a better understanding of Joe's behavioral problems and learned to set firm limits with Joe. Naomi is confident that with the skills she is learning, she can help Joe thrive.
Children's Mental Health Treatment
"David" was the bully of the 2 nd grade class. He may have been slight in stature but everyone knew not to get in his way. Weekly playground fights were the norm and the Principal's office was a very familiar sight. David was very angry...angry at his mother who abandoned him...angry with his dad who was working two jobs to support the family. David was referred to Foothill's School Based Counseling Program and was enrolled in the anger management group. The boys that attended these sessions developed appropriate outlets for their anger, worked on building skills to manage frustration and learned how to make friends. David was recently voted Student of the Month in recognition of his success.
Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment
"Patty" was only six when she was brought to the hospital emergency room with broken ribs and multiple bruises. Her step-father had gone into a rage and beat
Patty while her mother was out at work. Patty and her mother came to Foothill Family Service for intensive therapy.
Patty could not understand why her step-father would hurt her and she felt it must be her fault. In play therapy,
Patty learned that she was not a "bad girl". She has started trusting again and has begun to express the hurt and the pain she feels.
Patty's mother regularly attends a parent support group and is working to rebuild her life with Susan.
Patty is able to enjoy school now that she is no longer afraid.
Early Child Development
"Alex" was four when he was referred to Early ESTEEM by Head Start. Although
Alex had been in preschool for an entire year he was still having difficulty focusing in class and frequently hid in corners rather than interact with his teachers or peers. After meeting with Robert's family, Foothill Family therapists learned that
Alex's mother suffered from severe post partum depression after Alex's
birth. Due to this difficult beginning Alex's mother never learned to engage her son, often leaving
Alex to play alone. During home visits, our therapist worked with both parents, modeling and encouraging them to engage
Alex. In turn, Alex began reaching out to other people. Alex's new found confidence at home affected his confidence at school and he soon began interacting with his teachers and peers.
Alex is now in Kindergarten, enjoying his class and his new friends.
Teen Family Service & Teen Pregnancy Prevention
"Maria" has overcome a very difficult past. She lived more than half of her life in the foster care system and has had multiple placements.
Maria lost all hope in her future and dropped out of school. At 17,
Maria had a baby and was referred to Foothill Family Service. Maria describes her daughter
"Luz" as the light of her life and firmly believes that she is the major reason
Maria has been able to turn her life around and begin living more positively. After enrolling into our Teen Family Service Program,
Maria is now enrolled in school, working a part time job and preparing to leave a transitional housing shelter and move into her own home.
Domestic Violence Prevention & Treatment
For 18 years "Cynthia" remained with her emotionally, physically and sexually abusive husband. When she could take it no longer, she found a way to leave him. However, Cynthia still faced a myriad of difficulties. She was unemployed, had four children to care for and no permanent home. When Cynthia was referred to Foothill Family, she was severely depressed. With treatment and group support, Cynthia discovered the strength and will to tackle her family's problems. To solve their housing dilemma, Cynthia found another single mother that she and her children could share a house with. Then she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse. Cynthia has completed a Certified Nursing Assistant course and is now employed full-time so she can support herself and her children. Cynthia had shared that she has cried so much in her life, she had forgotten how to smile. These days, Cynthia is smiling.
Intensive Home-based Therapy
After a violent outburst in school, 12 year old "Marco" was referred to Foothill Family Service. Marco was struggling with his anger, a result of the days when his alcoholic father lived with them and verbally and physically abused Marco's mother. Marco was terribly worried about his mother and sister. The three of them shared a bedroom at his paternal grandparents' house. Marco's mother, who had limited education and diabetes, felt at the mercy of her demanding and controlling in-laws. In this difficult and complex situation, our Full Service Partnership team works with Marco to address his anger problems, helps to empower Marco's mother as she seeks to gain confidence and self-sufficiency, and counsels Marco's family as they recover from the trauma of domestic violence.
Teen Mental Health Treatment
"Julia" is 13 years old, the youngest in a family of four girls. All her older sisters had babies by the time they were 15. Julia told her teacher that she dreams of a different life, but no one in her family can help her. Foothill Family's Future Success Program is designed for teens that are at high risk for teen pregnancy. Teens who grow up with siblings who are teen parents are at exceptionally high risk for teen pregnancy themselves. In Future Success, Julia and her peers are taught and encouraged to make better life choices that will help them succeed in school and plan for a brighter future. A particular point of inspiration for Julia was the Future Success field trip to see tide pools by the beach. Julia is working with her case manager to attend summer school and plan a challenging academic schedule for the next school year. Julia is now a straight A student who plans to attend college and become a marine biologist.
