COVID-19 Relief Fund for The Tree House, Inc.

The Tree House, Inc. has been providing services to children and families affected by child abuse since 1996, serving thousands of families in Barrow, Banks, and Jackson counties.  I began my career as a therapist at The Tree House, Inc. fresh out of graduate school in 2006.  During my experience as a Therapist and then Forensic Interviewer, I was able to provide a helping hand to more than 1200 children.  I was able to listen to the details of their abuse when they have never told anyone else. I was able to walk through the process of trauma with children as young as 5 years old, to help them stop having nightmares. I was able to work with awesome law enforcement investigators, DFCS case workers, and prosecutors, to ensure children remained in a safe environment and justice would be sought over. I was able to testify in over 100 court proceedings in order to help juries understand how children disclose about abuse. Every time that word "guilty" was heard, the weight on my shoulders got a little lighter.  Now, as the Executive Director, I get to help support all the wonderful heroes still providing those direct services to children and families. I get to watch our heroes rejoice when children are reunified with their families, when abusers are found guilty,  when therapy clients no longer feel fear every moment of every day, and when parents learn how to provide a better home for their family. I watch our heroes shed tears during the hard times and laugh during the easier moments. I watch them work endless hours to "fight for the child" when everyone else is at home for dinner. I watch our heroes perform miracles without the recognition they deserve.  I've learned that what I can do for our heroes is support them by listening to them and ensuring they have what they need to do what they do best. Right now, part of that support is raising money so they don't have to worry about what will happen to The Tree House during this pandemic. That is not their burden to carry, as they carry so much already. That is my burden, the Board of Director's burden, and the community's burden.  Help me raise money to support these heroes and continue doing our part to create healthy families and children.  No amount is too small.