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As we enter the final weeks of 2022, let's pause and reflect on what these past two and a half years have taught us - the power of resilience and the value of togetherness. We have witnessed a community movement with a collective purpose to keep each other standing during the most challenging times in recent memory. No one has been left unaffected by the last few years of unprecedented tragedies, but we learned the importance of our humanity and connectedness and that at the core of it all, we need each other. Through crisis, we built our community, pooled our resources, and came together to form innovative solutions to unforeseen issues. We remain strong and will never forget how our generous donors empower us to continue our mission to provide equitable services and healthcare to children, youth, adults, and families.
A Mother Standing Strong for Her Family
Sharonda suffered a traumatic childhood; abuse, mental instability, and heartbreaking events exposed her too harsh street life. Some moments of happiness were found in those dark times. Becoming a mother to two sons was a source of tremendous pride and joy for her. But sadly, those times were short-lived. Facing unimaginable struggles in the streets, Sharonda found herself in a dangerous situation that eventually led to incarceration. She returned to society is broken and mentally unhealthy. That's when she found NSO. Working with a therapist, Sharonda learned skills to process her feelings, cope with past trauma, and identify strengths that she could use to help build resilience. NSO's care team provided her with the tools needed to improve her well-being and physical health to help her stand strong for her boys.
A Son's Strength for Healing
As Sharonda's life improved, her son's life was falling apart. Sharonda noticed truant and unusual behavior exhibited by her son and became concerned. The events surrounding his mother's incarceration and being separated from her as a child directly correlated to his outbursts and behavior. Sadly, he developed a mental illness in light of those adverse experiences. Sharonda reflected on the treatment she received from NSO, recognized those behaviors as early indicators of mental instability, and recommended that he seek help from our care team. At NSO, he found immediate access to appropriate services from a trauma-informed team.
Sharonda's son worked with an NSO case manager who helped assess symptoms of intergenerational trauma, determine his mental and physical health needs, implement a healing strategy to manage his life, get him on a path to well-being, and, once again, stand strong.
A Beacon of Strength for Our Community
NSO has remained strong and committed to our mission for 67 years. We are inspired by the strength and resilience of Sharonda and her son to stand strong together and proud to be able to offer intergenerational trauma-informed physical and behavioral health care to her family and many others. With your support, we can continue to create access to the support and care needed by individuals, families, and communities we serve. Any gift is greatly appreciated. Make your gift today by visiting NSO-mi.org/donate, texting "NSO" to 56651.
Thank you for being an unwavering supporter of NSO and the communities we serve; continue to stay safe and be well.
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