Children arriving at our shelters have undergone significant trauma and need specialized support to address the unique needs and challenges of child survivors of domestic violence. Along with providing a safe and nurturing environment, we offer a range of services, including counseling, mental health support, educational assistance, and recreational activities, all tailored to help children heal from their traumatic experiences. 

In January 2022, TJB partnered with The Hali Foundation to pilot the Creative Arts Service Program at our Genesis shelter in the Bronx. To date, this collaborative project has completed six rounds of groups, with participants ranging in age from one year to 17 years old; one of the groups was run as a parent-child group, in which mothers were participants along with their young children. The average group size was around 4 participants. Sessions have been led by a licensed occupational therapist, with assistance from program directors and case managers. 

The Creative Arts Service Program uses empirically validated research and trauma-informed practices that promote healing, prevention, self-integration for youth and their parent. This trauma-informed programming addresses the needs of the children we care for at Genesis each year as many are neurodivergent and/or may present with cognitive or social-emotional delays resulting from the trauma’s they have experienced in their young lives. This collaboration brings together the expertise of both organizations to deliver a trauma-informed program that supports these children in their healing journey. 

The Hali Foundation, a non-profit organization specialized in working with children and young adults, will play a crucial role in implementing their creative arts approach to help develop resiliency and minimize the long-term effects of trauma. Through a 10-week program, led by a licensed occupational therapist, the children will engage in various therapeutic activities catered to their unique needs. Moreover, the program will guide the children in identifying key events as they happen, allowing them to better navigate their emotions and responses. It will also focus on building a support network for the children, helping them foster connections and relationships with peers who have shared similar experiences.

The Creative Arts Service Program Pilot has been a success. Both parents and their children who participated in the pilot have benefitted significantly. Children are able to process their trauma in a safe and supportive environment while parents gain a deeper understanding of their child’s trauma and its impact. This shared experience has strengthened the child-parent bond and created a sense of support within the family. 

We respectfully request support from The Citrin Charitable Foundation to roll out this promising practice to reach more shelter children and families in the coming year. With your support, we can enhance the Creative Arts Service Program at Genesis and expand the program to reach more children at our Horizons domestic violence shelter in Brooklyn. Investing in our children’s well-being and healing during the family’s transition to a safer home for all is crucial. Together we can begin the healing from trauma and build the family system to continue to support children need to grow and thrive after experiencing trauma.