In a significant boost for community support, the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center in Philadelphia has received a $50,000 grant from Philly Gives. This funding will enable the center to continue its vital mission of assisting children and families facing emotional and psychological challenges.
Originally a research demonstration project in the basement of the Franklin Institute, the center has evolved over more than five decades into a crucial resource for thousands of children, particularly those under age ten. The center serves children from as young as 18 months to 18 years old, with approximately 70% of its clients being under ten. Its comprehensive services include mental health care and parenting support.
Transforming Lives Through Early Intervention
For many families, the center has become a lifeline. Melissa Wilson, a devoted advocate for the center, shared her personal journey. Her daughter received trauma treatment at the center when she was just five years old, and now her grandson is benefitting from the same support. “My kids are like, ‘Mom, where are you going?’ I already know… CCTC,” Wilson said.
Wilson emphasizes the importance of early intervention in addressing children’s needs. “What was important to me was starting early, to know that they have these programs here,” she stated. “The earlier, the better, so you can get at what the child needs and support the child where they are at.”
According to Antonio Valdez, CEO of the center, the organization’s approach is fundamentally trauma-informed. He explained, “We don’t ask what’s wrong with the child. We ask, what’s happened to a child? Almost every maladaptive behavior you’ll see in any person comes from some past adversity or trauma.”
Community Collaboration and Parental Involvement
The grant from Philly Gives is more than just financial assistance; it also represents an opportunity to expand support for both children and their caregivers. Wilson noted the significance of parental involvement in the center’s programs. “When they had the parent advisory group, that was key because that gave us a voice to share how we felt and what other caregivers might need,” she explained. “That’s how things changed.”
The funding will help grow existing initiatives and develop new ones, ultimately enhancing the support network for families in crisis. This collaborative effort is crucial in addressing the complex needs of children and ensuring they have access to comprehensive care.
For more information about the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center and its programs, visit PhillyGives.org.
