Childhood Depression

Leah was having trouble in school. She was disheveled, had few friends, never had her homework done, and was failing her classes. Most significant … she did not care. She came and went without making a mark. One would never know that she was even there. One day, Leah crawled under her teacher’s desk and would not come out. The therapist, who was called by the school to intervene, joined Leah in her secluded “hide-out” where she discovered the reality of Leah’s sad life. Leah’s father, a blue collar worker, would come home frustrated from his job and turn to alcohol as a release. After drinking himself into a stupor he would lash out violently at Leah, her mom and her siblings. To protect her children, Leah’s mom would lock herself and the kids in a narrow galley off the kitchen. There was very little food, no time for homework and a lack of the normalcy necessary for a healthy child to thrive in. By working with the mother, the therapist was able to place Leah’s dad in a substance abuse program, and address the issue that was jeopardizing the family unit.

“One year later, Leah is a different child, happy and fulfilled in her home life, which translates positively in school. Knowing I helped change the outcome of a young girl’s future by giving her and her family a chance, makes me believe that anything is possible.” - Therapist

Your donation directly impacts the lives of young children suffering from depression and anxiety.

		You may use our secure site to donate online using Visa or Master Card
		To make a donation by phone, please contact Sylvia at: 310.247.0534
		Make check or money order payable to Jewish Family Service and mail to: Aleinu Family Resource Center 8838 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035