Success Stories

The short stories listed here are just a few of the hundreds of ways children and their families have benefited from the services and
programs available at CHC.

James - 14 Years Old

James (14) was diagnosed with a major depression and a severe anxiety disorder when he was only 10. With the help of the teachers and therapists of the Esther B. Clark School at Children’s Health Council (CHC), he and his family learned how to manage his mental illness.             

The emotional and behavioral problems James had experienced most of his young life really got out of hand when he was in 4th grade. He was aggressive and would cry on the floor for hours, saying he wanted to be dead. Because of his unreasonable behavior he had lost almost all of his friends. He wasn’t invited to birthday parties anymore and didn’t invite anybody for his own birthday either, knowing that nobody would come.             

An evaluation by CHC staff confirmed his need for special help to deal with his significant emotional and behavior problems. James was transferred to the Esther B. Clark (EBC) School, which he attended for 2 years. At the EBC School, he learned behavior management and social skills, while continuing to participate in a regular academic curriculum. A CHC psychiatrist determined the right combination of medications to control his symptoms and he received individual as well as family therapy.             

James’ mother praises CHC and EBC School staff for what they did for her son.  “Everybody worked together to provide a complete care package, not just for James, but for the whole family. It was so convenient, so easy, to have all the professionals involved in one place.”           

During the transition back to a regular school, James continued to have weekly individual therapy sessions at the CHC. His EBC School teacher and therapist attended his IEP (Individual Education Plan) meetings and made themselves available for any questions or issues his home school came across. James’ mom is very grateful for the help she received at CHC. Looking back, she recognizes that their family life completely revolved around her son. “Having a child with special needs really puts a strain on the entire family.”           

James knows he’s different from other children. He understands he has unique challenges that won’t go away, but that he can manage. His mother says, “Although there are still limits as to how much stimulation he can handle, thanks to Children’s Health Council James is doing really well now.” She has tears in her eyes when she adds, “The best example of the progress James has made as a result of his time at EBC School was when he turned 14 last September. All 12 friends he had invited to his birthday party came to celebrate with him!”

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Sam - EBC School Student

“Sam will still say he does not like school, but he has friends.  He goes to school most days with a smile, and we actually have heard him singing to himself.  We know that he still has a long road to walk, but finally he is on a path where he will receive proper guidance along the way. The support we have received at EBC has gone a long way toward helping us believe there IS a road to success for Sam. I’m not afraid anymore to walk into a school parent/teacher function and hear, ‘Oh, so YOU’RE Sam’s parents!’ And if I do hear this, it is to tell me something positive about my child!”
Parent of an Esther B. Clark (EBC) School Student

Parent Client of Clinical Services and Resource Center Member

Our family has benefited from numerous services provided by Children’s Health Council.  We felt alone and isolated in our situation with one of our children until we began to receive services through CHC. Several years ago, a complete assessment of our child was done.  Recently, we have returned to CHC for counseling. We have received both emotional and educational guidance through a current crisis. We also have to mention the wonderful Resource Center and the staff on site to answer questions and refer us to books or look up Internet sites for other helpful information or contacts in the community.”
Parent Client of Clinical Services and Resource Center Member

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