Nexus-Gerard Family Healing

Melissa, Zander, and Xavier's Story

Xavier and Zander were just 5 and 2 when they watched helplessly as their father physically abused and threatened their mother, Melissa.

Traumatic events like these, especially for young children, can have lifelong impacts. Xavier and Zander began having behavioral issues as they got older. Zander was so young he didn’t exactly remember what happened, but seemed to carry the feelings related to the experience. When Xavier started to have problems at school because of his behavior, Melissa realized he needed help. “He needed someone to talk to about what he’d seen,” Melissa said.

Thousands of children, like Xavier and Zander, are in crisis and in need of hope and healing. But, thanks to you and Nexus-Gerard, there is hope for the future.

Melissa turned to Nexus-Gerard’s school-based mental health services for help. Nexus-Gerard partners with local schools to provide children who have experienced trauma and mental health challenges access to professional support right in their school. Xavier and Zander’s therapist helped them process their feelings and find healthy ways to deal with their negative experiences. They were able to make therapy a part of their school day without disrupting their schedules. And that helped a busy, single mom like Melissa.

Melissa has seen positive changes in her sons, particularly her oldest, since he’s been accessing Nexus-Gerard’s outpatient therapy services.

“I just feel like Xavier can talk about and identify his feelings more, and he’s just more open about how he’s feeling; he can say ‘I’m angry’ or ‘I’m upset.’ He can get his feelings out and talk about the situation with his dad, who he doesn’t see.” 
- Melissa

This is what Nexus-Gerard does best.

We meet youth and families where they are at and offer a range of supports to provide the right care at the right time in the right way. Whether that service includes foster care, adoption, support in school, crisis centers, or residential treatment, we are ready to meet the unique needs of the youth and families who turn to us.

We never give up on a child or family, no matter how complex the situation may be.

Now, more than ever, we need your help.

Your gift this holiday season will make care accessible and affordable, allow us to fill gaps within our mental health system, and support not only the immediate safety, but long-range future goals of youth in our care.

You can help restore hope.