Summer 2020 Newsletter
Identification + Collaboration = Happy Family
At first, the Millers were anxious, overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed after their son Weston was identified as having a speech delay at 18 months old. Their pediatrician referred them to Childhaven for assistance. They had never heard of Childhaven.
At Childhaven, Ashley Benson (Special Educator) and Jessica Ryan (Speech & Language Pathologist) helped clarify and set realistic goals and explain what to expect as first-time parents of their special needs son. Slowly, Ashley and Jessica built a relationship with Weston, and later taught him to communicate using both expressive and receptive language skills (terms new to the Millers). They advocated for Weston when the family initially felt apprehensive to do so themselves. Weston’s parents could see how much they cared for him. Jessica and Ashley worked together to identify certain behaviors that might be indicative of Autism. They recommended seeing a neurologist who gave a diagnosis, which unlocked even more resources for Weston.
"We felt they went beyond their typical duties to make sure Weston had the best chance to succeed. They are amazing, hardworking and compassionate educators."
~ Allison Miller, on the staff support at Childhaven
As Weston transitioned into the Seattle Public School district, Childhaven advocated for Weston to receive the necessary services to help him be successful in the classroom.
By working as a team with the Millers, Weston has become more communicative with his parents and they are closer than ever!
Trauma is toxic and contributes to adverse childhood environments that have lifelong consequences.
Childhaven condemns all forms of brutality, hate, bigotry, racism and entrenched systems of racism.
Our Family is Growing!
Art with Heart and Renton Area Youth Services (R.A.Y.S.) unanimously agreed to merge with Childhaven effective June 1, 2020!
The unified organization will remain focused on serving the needs of children and families affected by trauma and adversity to achieve more equitable outcomes for families and communities!
The Crockett Family Steps Up in a Big Way
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every part of our economy and our communities. During the mandatory Stay Home, Stay Healthy order mandated by Governor Inslee, Childhaven had to shift to alternative ways of serving our children and families. We moved to contact-free telehealth counseling appointments and worked with families to help them cope with being in their homes including tips and suggestions on projects and small tasks they could perform with their children to continue to cultivate the development and learning we practice in our classrooms. A need that quickly materialized was the increased demand for food items to feed our families that were now confined to their homes around the clock. This demand coupled with the economic constraints led us to turn to our donor community and they stepped up! Ron and Wanda Crockett offered to provide the funding necessary to deliver meals to Childhaven families. Thanks to their monetary support, Childhaven was able to enlist FareStart to prepare and deliver over 4,000 meals to our families from the middle of March through the end of May.
“During this difficult time, it became apparent that children and families Childhaven serves had needs. Childhaven is a community resource we felt confident could put together a program that addressed an immediate need, to all of you at Childhaven, thanks so much for your compassion.”
~ The Crockett Family
Childhaven Auction going VIRTUAL!
This fall we are bringing our biggest fundraiser and party directly to you! Featuring a silent and live virtual auction with some of your favorite items—plus some exciting new ones—there will be special guest performances, exciting opportunities to connect and fun new ways the whole family can participate while supporting Childhaven.
While we miss being together in person, there are benefits to going virtual! They are great opportunities to introduce Childhaven to more people in your life, as you can invite people from all over to participate and there’s no ticket to entry!
Stay tuned for more details! If you are interested in being a sponsor or virtual table captain: please contact Direction of Special Events, Ashley Allen.
GSSL Continues their Legacy of Service
For over 30 years, the Greater Seattle Service League has supported Childhaven.
“We are proud to donate funds to help Childhaven’s hardworking staff as they try to support our families with emergency relief at this critical time. We Salute the 'emotional supporters' that are working tirelessly to serve our community."
Childhaven Mindful Mondays
Join us every Monday at 2:00 pm PST on Facebook Live to hear Childhaven's expert staff speak on various topics regarding family health and well-being.
