Child Watch Issue 3

Children Seek a Better Life

The New Year is historically a time to look to the future and embrace positive change. Popular resolutions include getting fit, managing stress, getting a better education and helping others. However, 35% of people who make New Year’s resolutions are lucky to keep them past the end of January, with a depressing 77% throwing in the towel by the end of the year. A commitment to change is often harder than people realize.

It is not only adults who seek change but children as well. The East Bay Agency for Children (EBAC) sees countless children every year hoping to achieve their dreams of a better future:

• A life without violence and drugs.
• A stable home life with supportive parents and food on the table every night.
• The ability to talk to someone who not only listens but understands.
• Access to medical advice and treatment.
• The opportunity to learn at school.

Realistically, there is no quick fix for these children, and it is not unusual for it to take years to achieve results. EBAC understands the many issues these children face - living in areas where gun violence happens with alarming regularity, having parents who use drugs, being neglected physically and emotionally, and struggling at school.

EBAC’s 13 programs have put thousands of children on the road to success. EBAC provides school-based mental health counseling; grief and illness support services; child assault prevention, and family support services. We also help students and families improve academic performance, and encourage them to give back by sharing their journey with their peers.

Sarah was very unhappy at home. Her parents were fighting all the time. At school, Sarah found it hard to concentrate and would often skip class. In a desperate attempt to escape she ran away. Luckily, for Sarah and her family, EBAC became involved and worked with Sarah to make her see she did have options and could start again.

“Before I started at the Conley Day Treatment Program I was very depressed. I felt my life had no meaning," comments Sarah. “They not only helped me with my school work, but I also knew they really cared about me and my family. Today, I feel good about myself, and with my college scholarship I want to become a therapist so I can help others.”

So whatever you want to achieve this year don’t give up. It’s never too late to make a change.

Find out about EBAC’s programs