Because of You: She looks forward to Thursdays now
Because of You: She looks forward to Thursdays now
For eight-year-old Raven, healing has begun with something simple yet powerful: knowing she belongs.
Raven came to Hope Reins carrying the weight of her parents’ separation and the devastating loss of her father after his struggle with substance use. The night before he died, Raven had been looking forward to spending time with him—but he never showed up.
Her grief surfaced as depression, anger and debilitating anxiety that often left her feeling physically sick. Her teachers frequently called home, concerned by her sadness. Raven became afraid to be away from her mom, worried that she might experience another devastating loss.
Over the past year at the ranch, Raven has slowly built trust with her mentor, Linda. Little by little, she has begun talking about her dad and the pain of losing him.
With Linda’s steady presence and a gentle horse named Sammy beside her, Raven has discovered a place where she feels safe and knows she belongs. She is learning that it is safe to name what she is feeling—and that she does not have to carry her grief alone.
Her mom, Robin, has noticed a difference. Raven is learning to manage her emotions more effectively, taking greater pride in responsibilities like completing her chores and showing more compassion toward others.
This is what can happen when a child has a safe place, a trusted mentor and time to heal.
Read Raven’s full story in the Gratitude Report here:
Services at Hope Reins are provided entirely free of charge to children and families. Your gift can help give more children like Raven a place to feel safe, known and deeply cared for as they find hope and build resilience.
Will you help make that possible?
If you would like to support more kids like Raven at Hope Reins, click here to make a one-time donation or become a Stable Steward (our monthly giving program).
Kim Tschirret Founder & CEO Hope Reins
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First published on hopereins.org
