At Childhelp, they have always believed that sports help children heal. The psychological and physical benefits of fitness are well documented, and there are so many areas where organized sporting activities allow children that have been abused and neglected to work through obstacles. Accomplishments on the field raise self-esteem, problem solving on the court can renew confidence and teamwork rebuilds trust. “Trust” is a key word in recovery and the relationship between a child and his or her coaching staff should be based on the essential belief that an adult authority figure is someone of understanding, integrity and security. At our residential treatment facilities, staff members work closely with our little survivors to help them kick the soccer ball farther (as their troubles roll away from them), toss the football a little straighter (while learning they can visualize their lives going any direction they please), swim an extra lap (because through hard work anything is possible) and shoot the basketball a little higher (hopefully closer to their dreams). Through trust, the children in our care believe their futures can be brighter.  READ MORE HERE

Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

Parents work hard to protect their children from harm of any sort. We feed them well, teach them to watch out for vehicles in crosswalks and offer counsel to get them safely through childhood. But what can we do when the danger lurks not in shadowy corners and fast automobiles but in the most trusted place away from home? We live in a very small community and our local elementary school has about 300 children total, including prekindergarten classes. The walls throughout the school are painted with colorful murals, the library is the heart of the school and every teacher knows every child by name. READ MORE HERE