This is Jack’s Story
Meet Jack. Jack’s story is one of resilience and quiet strength. Each day, he wakes up not only as a student but as a caretaker. Every morning he prepares breakfast and gets his younger siblings ready for school—responsibilities far beyond his years as his mom battles severe depression.
Though Jack is growing into his own maturity, he is too young to understand how physical, sexual and emotional abuse has traumatized his mom.
All he knows is she cannot get out of bed.
Beneath this morning routine, Jack is burdened with emotions he can’t quite name: anger, sadness, compassion.
In the C.O.O.L. (Children Overcoming the Obstacles of Life) program at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center, Jack’s story takes a turn toward hope. He finds a safe space where, through play, art, and movement, he learns to express what words cannot capture. Guided by his counselor, he sketches out the chapters of his life, drawing moments of ‘before’ and ‘after’ his mother’s depression took hold. His artwork becomes a map of healing.
“I feel comfortable and safe here,” Jack shares.
These words reflect Jack’s hope that his mom will recover.
Jack’s story is why we do what we do—to show young hearts that they don’t have to bear their struggles alone.
Every day, families in Central Iowa face mental health challenges without support. Thousands of women, children, and families struggle to access the mental health care they need. Last year, 31% of our clients were uninsured or underinsured, putting essential mental health services out of reach. The funds we raise annually help to subsidize these costs and without your support, more families may go unseen and unheard.
Your donations fund life-changing therapy and support for those who need it most. Consider a year-end gift today and help us illuminate hope for children, like Jack, by making mental health care accessible in our community.
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Jack is a pseudonym and identifying details have been changed to ensure privacy.