A Child's Haven

Lincoln and Jasmine's Story

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 20:21:05 GMT

Twins, Lincoln and Jasmine, were three years old when referred to A Child’s Haven (ACH) by their Early Interventionist (EI) for speech delays and extreme separation anxiety. Lincoln and Jasmine’s mother, Jessica, shared with their EI that she was struggling with her husband’s death and needed help. Her EI had just attended a Lunch and Learn at ACH and knew Jessica and this family could benefit from our multigenerational treatment services.

During their ACH intake, Jessica revealed Lincoln and Jasmine’s father passed away shortly after their second birthday. After their father’s death, the twins had very different reactions. Jasmine developed extreme separation anxiety, and Lincoln went from a boy full of personality to not talking at all.

The first few weeks of drop offs were extremely tough for the twins. Emotions ran high, and you could feel the children’s despair and insecurity. Our clinical team showered them with patience and support, and Jessica’s Child and Family Therapist walked her through different ways to comfort and help Lincoln and Jasmine with this transition. Once the children became more comfortable with coming to ACH, a transformation began.

Our clinical team helped Jasmine identify her anxiety and taught her healthy coping strategies. Lincoln learned other ways to communicate, starting with basic sign language, until he gained the confidence to speak simple words like, “Yes”, “No”, and “Thank you.” After several months, Lincoln was speaking in full sentences again.

The twins weren’t the only ones making progress. Jessica had major breakthroughs during Family Therapy sessions with their Child and Family Therapist. She worked through a lot of her grief, learned better routines that would help their family at home, and practiced coping skills with her children.

Lincoln and Jasmine are now five years old and getting ready for Kindergarten this fall. The whole family continues making progress each day.

An investment in A Child’s Haven is an investment in a child and family’s mental health. Donate today.

Inaugural 4K Graduation

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:04:33 GMT

A Child’s Haven (ACH) hosted its inaugural 4K graduation Friday, June 3, 2022 in collaboration with South Carolina First Steps (SCFS). Family members, ACH staff, community members, and Miss South Carolina USA, Meera Bhonsle, were all present for the celebration.

ACH was the fourth SCFS 4K program in Greenville County and launched in August 2021. ACH also provides Therapeutic Child Care to young children suffering from trauma or abuse. The SCFS 4K program adds a traditional academic component and further ensures a child’s success when they enter a public-school classroom. ACH Program Director, Coraretta Smalls, leads the initiative with support from other clinical staff.

The SCFS 4K Program enhances the ACH program as a model for Therapeutic Child Care in South Carolina. ACH Executive Director, Tanya Camunas, commented that, “We are thrilled to be graduating our first 4K class this year. Our children will enter public school having overcome their trauma and prepared to be great learners.”

South Carolina First Steps is the state’s only dedicated, comprehensive early childhood initiative focused on getting children ready for school and life success. Martha M. Strickland, South Carolina First Steps 4K State Director said, “We are grateful to A Child’s Haven for partnering with First Steps 4K so that all students are fully prepared for kindergarten. SC First Steps 4K gives families the opportunity to enroll their eligible child in a free, high-quality 4K program of their choice as part of South Carolina’s Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP).”

About A Childs Haven: Founded in 1992 by Eva P. Hunt, ACH is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides healing therapy for Greater Greenville’s developmentally challenged at-risk preschoolers, while fortifying vulnerable families and strengthening our community. It is one of only two Therapeutic Child Care service providers in the state. https://achildshaven.org/

About South Carolina First Steps: South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness (SCFS) is both a nonprofit and state agency and is the only dedicated comprehensive early childhood agency in South Carolina focused on getting children ready for school and life success. We serve more than 30,000 children in 81 school districts across 46 counties. https://scfirststeps.org/

ACH Receives CARF Re-Accreditation for the Fourth Consecutive Time

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:46:17 GMT

A Child’s Haven (ACH) recently earned our fourth consecutive Three-Year Accreditation from the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF). ACH is accredited until March 31, 2025 for Intense Family Based Services: Family Services (Children and Adolescent); with Board
Governance Standards applied.

CARF’s decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and demonstrates ACH’s conformance to CARF standards. The process involved a rigorous peer review by a team of surveyors during an on-site visit, and the outcome affirmed ACH’s commitment to offer programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality.

“CARF commends A Child’s Haven’s commitment and consistent efforts to improve the quality of tis programs and services and looks forward to working with the organization in its ongoing pursuit of excellence,” said President and CEO of CARF, Brian J. Boon, Ph.D.

This achievement came as ACH celebrates their 30 ^th anniversary of providing healing therapy to children and families who have suffered from trauma. Executive Director, Tanya Camunas, said this about their recent accomplishment, “We are extremely proud of achieving the highest level of accreditation that CARF offers. This further distinguishes A Child’s Haven as an organization that is dedicated to improving the quality of lives of children and families in our community.”

Learn more about ACH’s services and how you can get involved at www.achildshaven.org

About A Child’s Haven: Founded in 1992 by Eva P. Hunt, ACH is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides healing therapy for Greater Greenville’s developmentally challenged at-risk preschoolers, while fortifying vulnerable families and strengthening our community. It is one of only two Therapeutic Child Care service providers in South Carolina. https://achildshaven.org/

About CARF: CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services. For more information about the accreditation process, please visit the CARF website at www.carf.org .

Julia's Story

Wed, 18 May 2022 18:33:28 GMT

A Child's Haven (ACH) hears stories like Julia's all too often. Julia's pediatrician referred the family to A Child's Haven when she was two years old. At the time, Julia’s parents hit a very rough patch in their marriage and had been separated for a few months. After witnessing too many arguments and not having a stable routine, Julia began to shut down. The brave, kind little girl with a bubbly personality became extremely reserved and hardly spoke a word. One of the few things Julia’s parents could agree on was they needed to find a way to help their little girl.

The referral from Julia’s pediatrician prompted our Assistant Clinical Director to contact the family and schedule an intake appointment. During intake, our team was able to sort through details of Julia and her parent’s history. Julia’s father had not experienced childhood trauma, but her mother grew up in an unstable home plagued by domestic violence. Julia’s parents also shared that it was tough to co-parent since their separation. A few weeks later, the family enrolled at A Child’s Haven.

Julia was very reserved and barely spoke, so our treatment providers taught her a few sign language signs to help her communicate until she began speaking more often. Through daily interventions in Therapeutic Child Care and Individual Therapy sessions, Julia’s old personality resurfaced. It started with positive interactions with her peers, then grew into saying words like, “Hello!” and “Thank you!”, and finally led to her singing along to her favorite songs.

This progress was so encouraging to Julia’s parents, and they became more willing to try some of the same parenting techniques in their own homes. Even though they were separated, Julia’s parents still attended Family Therapy sessions together so they could learn how to co-parent effectively. After a few months, they developed a strong co-parenting plan that worked for them and helped Julia continue to make progress. Julia’s parents were thrilled their Child and Family Therapist taught them skills needed to help their child.

One year after beginning treatment at A Child’s Haven, Julia was ready to discharge and transition back into a traditional daycare. Julia is now 5 years old and her parents report she is ready for kindergarten.

An investment in A Child’s Haven is an investment in a child and family’s mental health. Donate today.

Over $25,000 Awarded to ACH through Travelers Rest High School

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 20:10:06 GMT

Travelers Rest High School (TRHS) awarded $25,626.88 to A Child's Haven (ACH) through their 2021-2022 spirit week. This donation came as a lovely surprise when we received a call from TRHS inviting ACH to the check reveal pep rally. With big smiles and grateful hearts, the ACH Development and Communications team attended the reveal. These funds will directly support our mission through our three core services.

Director of Development and Communications, Michael Beaver, spoke shared ACH's mission and purpose in the community to the entire student body followed by the big reveal! "It was a wonderful surprise and incredible honor to accept this donation from the Travelers Rest High School student body," said Michael Beaver. "A Child’s Haven is celebrating 30 years in 2022, and the future looks brighter than ever. It is wonderful to witness this next generation of leaders embracing philanthropy, and we are thrilled our community continues to find new ways to support our organization.."

The TRHS Spirit Week is unique because it is solely student driven. Instead of nonprofits applying, students from their Student Council submit charities of their choice, share why they should support the charity and vote on it as a group. Student Body President, Tori Fullbright, informed us that ACH was the unanimous choice this year.

Julian's Story

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:14:23 GMT

Julian was only three and had already been kicked out of two different daycares before his family was referred to A Child’s Haven (ACH). An ACH therapist interviewed Julian’s mother to explore his past and current behavior challenges. Julian’s mother shared about past family trauma including abuse and neglect as well as challenges Julian had expressing his emotions. “Trying to put him in time out is like pulling teeth. He will push the TV over or throw something. He doesn’t know how to act out his frustration. Instead, he acts out in destructive ways.”

Our therapist used conversations with Julian and his mother to develop an Individual Plan of Care (IPOC). These plans help our clinical providers and therapists track Julian’s progress so we can adjust strategies and goals if needed. One week later Julian began attending ACH and he and his mother began learning and healing together.

Julian’s first few days at ACH were tough. To make Julian more comfortable, ACH clinical providers spent extra time with him nurturing and encouraging positive coping strategies when he experienced tough emotions. Our clinical providers found some strategies worked better than others and shared that information with Julian’s therapist.

Two weeks later, Julian’s therapist met with his mother to discuss progress and begin her healing as well. During this first session, the therapist and Julian’s mother discussed positive coping strategies that had been working in the treatment rooms. Julian’s mother couldn’t believe it. She was so relieved to hear that Julian was already having positive experiences and was excited to start using these strategies at home.

During the rest of his time at ACH, Julian made significant progress and eventually obtained all but one of his IPOC goals. Upon discharge, Julian had accomplished emotion recognition, self-awareness and self-regulation skills, and positive relationships with his family and his peers. He also went from having multiple tantrums a day to about three a week. Julian’s mother shared how much their family enjoys being less stressed and how easy daily tasks are now. “Just going to the grocery store with Julian has become so much easier. He also is getting along with his siblings which warms my heart.”

Support children like Julian by investing in our mission today. Donate here.

Hunt Family Donates Over $1 Million to A Child's Haven

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 20:58:14 GMT

A Child’s Haven is celebrating our 30 ^th Anniversary in 2022. The celebration was kickstarted by an incredible gift of over $1,000,000 from our founder’s children. This gift was donated in memory of their mother, Eva P. Hunt and they asked that funds support the organization’s sustainability and program expansion.

In 1987, founder, Eva P. Hunt recognized a great, unmet need for treating at-risk children and their families. Her determination and vision became a reality on January 6, 1992, when ACH opened its doors to serve 10 children. We now serve 100 to 150 children and their families each year. Through their generosity, Eva Hunt’s children honor the memory and vision of their mother and ensure ACH will be able to serve more families than ever.

“We are extremely touched by the continued generosity of the Hunt family,” said Executive Director, Tanya Camunas. “A Child’s Haven continues to focus our efforts on expanding our programs to serve more children. This generous gift will give our organization the financial security we need to sustain and replicate our program.”

“We appreciate, as the Hunt family, the dedication and continuing recognition of our mom, Eva Hunt. She was ahead of her time and was a relentless champion of children and families.” said Marian Hunt.

Since its inception, ACH has been focused on the growth of a quality-driven, sustainable, and replicable program model. The organization will maintain this focus as they celebrate their 30 ^th Anniversary.

2022 Board of Directors

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:01:12 GMT

A Child’s Haven (ACH) welcomed two community leaders to serve three-year terms on their Board of Directors. The newest directors on the 14-member nonprofit board are Mark Eley of First Citizens Bank and Nancy Strausbaugh recently of Greenco Beverage.

“A Child’s Haven is proud to welcome three eager new members as well as our strong Executive Committee,” said Executive Director, Tanya Camunas. “With their fresh perspective and passion to create a thriving community, we will continue to grow as an organization and fulfill our mission of lifting lives and reshaping futures of young children and their families.”

Along with the new members, we have also welcomed a new Executive Committee, led by Dawn Rumney as President. Rumney, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Greenville Federal Credit Union, will be joined on the executive committee by Jason See of Follet School Solutions (Vice President), Kimberly Singleton of TD SYNNEX (Secretary), Jennifer Osgood of Wagner Wealth management (Treasurer), and Brent Atwood of NAI Earle Furman (Past President).

Full list of 2022 Board of Directors.

Dawn Rumney — President
Greenville Federal Credit Union

Brent Atwood — Past President
NAI Earle Furman, LLC

Jason See — Vice President
Follett School Solutions

Kimberly Singleton — Secretary
Synnex Corporation

Jennifer L. Osgood — Treasurer
Wagner Wealth Management

Neil M. Batavia
Dority & Manning, PA

Lindsey Davis
Communicating Results Group

Zack Devier
Armada Analytics, Inc.

Mark Eley

First Citizen's Bank

Rachel Putman
Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands

Dr. Lyle Pritchard, MD
PRISMA Health Upstate

Nancy Strausbaugh

Reed Wilson
Palmetto Technology Group

Shantel and Jahlil’s Story

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:34:13 GMT

Jahlil and his mother, Shantel, were referred to A Child’s Haven (ACH) when he was four years old. Leading up to their referral, Shantel was an extremely stressed single parent. Jahlil struggled with extreme social-emotional challenges that lead to poor behavior. Shantel was afraid of what the future would look like if Jahlil’s behavioral challenges were not addressed. Shantel had exhausted the ways she knew to help her son and knew she needed a different approach. During her ACH intake, Shantel was excited to learn that while Jahlil was in treatment, the Child and Family Therapist would help her too.

Shantel shares, “I’m an old school parent and I parented my oldest three children in a significantly different way. The way I parented Jahlil just didn’t work.” After a few months of being enrolled at ACH, Shantel was relieved to see huge improvements in her son. Jahlil was having positive interactions with adults and peers, and he stopped throwing tantrums every time something did not go his way.

During Shantel’s Family Therapy sessions, she learned how to understand her child’s needs. This information taught her how to be the best parent to Jahlil, and she was able to empower him. This newfound empowerment helped Jahlil take charge of his emotions and to process and express them in a positive way. Jahlil continued making significant progress during his time at ACH. He was enrolled in our new 4K program in August and thrived during the transition.

Jahlil is on track to graduate from 4K in time to begin kindergarten next Fall. Shantel shared what makes ACH unique. “A Child’s Haven for us has been everything under one roof. During the day he learns coping skills in his classroom and has Individual Therapy a few times a month. Then, we are able to have Family Therapy together with the same therapist. It has worked very well for us. I don’t know where our lives would be without A Child’s Haven.”

2021 Ruth Nicholson Award – Lesa Kastler

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 15:55:00 GMT

The Ruth Nicholson Award is the highest honor presented by the Community Foundation each year and honors the volunteer who has made significant contributions to the Greenville community through volunteer work for the Community Foundation or to one of its projects, programs, or areas of emphasis.

When you meet Lesa Kastler , it’s clear she’s not interested in talking about herself from the get-go. The mother of two, now an empty nester, is a calming presence, and it makes sense her colleagues choose words like “humble” and “graceful” to describe her. But ask Lesa about the nonprofit work she’s been involved with over the last 30 years, and the quiet demeanor shifts. In fact, she has quite a lot to say.

Lesa and her husband rooted themselves in Greenville in the 1990s, when Bill’s job transferred the family to South Carolina from Texas. Bill launched into a successful career as a tax partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers , while Lesa took “the road less traveled,” as she says, referencing the proverbial Robert Frost line.

“Moving here with the boys being as young as they were and my husband’s work being very demanding, I just ended up on a different pathway—being involved in nonprofits and applying my degree in a different way.”

Lesa simply began investing in what was in front of her, but her graduate and doctoral degrees in education certainly came in handy. When her four-year-old needed therapy, she volunteered with the Speech, Hearing, and Learning Center . Recognizing a community need for expanded services, she rallied a planning committee and helped launch the Center for Developmental Services, now a multifaceted cooperative meeting essential needs for young children in our community.

Following her passion for childhood intervention, she joined the advisory council for A Child’s Haven , a local nonprofit working with preschoolers with behavioral delays. Lesa chaired the organization through their capital campaign, raising $5.5 million to help build a new facility and expand their services.

She served as president of the Junior League, joined the Rose Ball committee, the Boy Scouts board for Troop 11, and the elder board at Fourth Presbyterian Church—she even became the unofficial communications director for Greenville High’s lacrosse team. Wherever Lesa touched, committees formed, groups became activated, and organizations transform for the better.

“Whenever Lesa serves on a board, within two or three years she’s going to be president,” says Kimberly Cooley, who has served with Lesa at A Child’s Haven and Junior League. “She possesses all of the leadership qualities—commitment, dedication, and grace.”

Now, Lesa’s sons are grown, and with her husband’s recent retirement, the two are transitioning into life as empty nesters. But that hasn’t dampened Lesa’s passion for her city or her heart for others. Most recently, her efforts have been focused on the Community Foundation , helping them navigate providing resources during the tumultuous events of 2020.

“I had the good fortune of serving as the vice-chair of the Community Foundation during Lesa’s tenure as chair,” says Liz Seman, current chair of the foundation. “She did an amazing job leading our organization—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

It’s tempting to ask Lesa to talk more about her successes and her legacy in the Upstate community. But that would be incongruous. Instead, her message is for others.

“Everyone has gifts and abilities they can contribute,” Lesa says. “There’s a role for all of us to play to achieve good outcomes for our community. It matters.”

November 1, 2021 | Abby Moore Keith , TOWN Magazine

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Sarah’s Story

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 20:48:00 GMT

Amanda had spent a year trying different ways to help her four-year-old foster daughter, Sarah, when Amanda was referred to A Child’s Haven (ACH). She came into the intake with high hopes that ACH could set her little girl on a better path. After Sarah turned two, she developed a stubborn streak, throwing up to ten tantrums a day when she didn’t get her way. Sarah was also seeing a sleep specialist to address her unhealthy attachment to her foster mother. At bedtime, Sarah would cry so hard she often threw up which led to neither of them getting enough sleep.

During intake, the ACH Child and Family Therapist asked Amanda what she knew about Sarah’s parents. Amanda didn’t have all of the details, but she knew that Sarah had been exposed to drugs in the womb. She also knew that Sarah’s birth mother was a heavy drinker and experimented with other drugs.

After intake, Sarah started in ACH’s Caterpillars room with seven other children and two Clinical Treatment Providers. The low ratio of children to adults assured Sarah received the special attention she needed to start healing. After only two months of treatment, Sarah was better at controlling her anger and had more positive interactions with her peers.

Sarah began to show more compassion for her peers around Six months into treatment. One day, she accidentally knocked down a friend on the playground. When her friend began crying, Sarah asked if she was ok and comforted her with a hug. ACH staff noted this huge breakthrough for Sarah and praised her for checking on her friend and taking responsibility for her actions. This may seem insignificant, but for Sarah and Amanda, this kind of progress ensured she was prepared to start Kindergarten on schedule.

Sarah was discharged from ACH three years ago. She’s enjoying second grade and is excelling!

*For the privacy of our families, names and some details have been changed.

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Post merger, TD Synnex CEO reaffirms company’s commitment to Greenville

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:12:00 GMT

TD Synnex CEO Rich Hume promised “no dramatic changes” as Synnex and Tech Data merge. Photo by Evan Peter Smith

Post merger, TD Synnex CEO reaffirms company’s commitment to Greenville

Evan Peter Smith, September 3, 2021

The ink is now dry on the $8.3 billion merger between Florida-based Tech Data and California-based Synnex , creating TD Synnex , the largest technology distribution company in the world.

Think of it as a gigantic information technology supermarket, with a customer base now of more than 150,000 small, midsize and enterprise businesses across more than 100 countries.

The merger is of particular interest to Greenville, given Synnex’s longstanding philanthropic efforts in the community and its status as a major employer, with a local workforce numbering more than 1,200.

In that regard, TD Synnex’s new CEO Rich Hume has a message for Greenville.

“First and foremost, and most importantly, we will absolutely continue in the communities that we’re in,” Hume said.

Speaking from inside the lobby of the Peace Center the morning of Sept. 1, Hume had just finished a livestream event in which he addressed the more than 22,000 TD Synnex employees across the world. But his message to that massive pool of workers was not altogether separate from his message for Greenville, specifically.

“It’s important to have a barometer of who we are, what we do and how we get it done, as well as our values, articulating that,” he said. “It just makes it so critical for all of our coworkers to make sure we participate responsibly in the community, so we’re going to do that.”

Locally, that sense of community responsibility is best exemplified by Synnex Share the Magic (presumably soon to be renamed TD Synnex Share the Magic), an annual fundraising initiative created in Greenville by Peter Larocque back in 2011. Since its creation, the project has raised more than $14 million for South Carolina children and their families facing challenges such as life-threatening illness, abuse and neglect.

“I am certain that Share the Magic will continue as we move into the future”

-TD Synnex CEO Rich Hume

To the four charities that are the primary recipients of those funds – A Child’s Haven , Clement’s Kindness , Make-A-Wish South Carolina , and Pendleton Place – Hume offers a promise of “full support to those philanthropic efforts.”

“I am certain that Share the Magic will continue as we move into the future, but I’ve had no discussion relative to whether we’ll make incremental investments or how we’ll think about that,” Hume said, referring to the possibility of expanding the initiative or offering additional programs. “But I think it’s very, very safe to say that the program as you know it, as it’s been growing through time, will probably stay on the trajectory it’s been.”

Share the Magic has funded more than 150,000 hours of therapeutic childcare, $900,00 in financial support for families with pediatric cancer and other serious blood disorders, more than 2,000 wish fulfillments through Make-A-Wish South Carolina, and 19,000 nights of care to more than 200 at-risk teenagers, among other initiatives.

Tanya Camunas, executive director of A Child’s Haven, which provides therapeutic childcare to at-risk children, summed up that affirmation with one word: “Awesome.”

“I can just say, [the former Synnex has] been so instrumental in creating a stronger community, and their vision for making sure that all children are thriving in our community has been what has driven us to become better and grow into the program we are now,” Camunas said. “By working with families, that in turn strengthens our community.”

While she still expects some small changes, Camunas said she feels bolstered and confident that the organization can stay on its current trajectory.

Greenville-based employees of the former Synnex were offered similar reassurance. Hume said he understands the personal questions that come from a merger.

“Certainly, when something like this happens, it all becomes, ‘What is my compensation? What are my benefits?’ The short answer to all those questions is everything moves on the same as it’s been,” he said. “No dramatic changes.”

Hume noted Greenville’s large base of talent as its main strategic advantage, especially as the two sides of the company merge their respective cloud platforms — Tech Data’s StreamOne platform and Synnex’s Stellr platform — into a single entity. Rather than reducing investment, Hume suggested the new merged company would increase that investment, all while building a single platform.

“So instead of having to build two, we build one, and that way we can have — allow me to use a simple term — a lot more bells and whistles,” he said.

Those bells and whistles include security, analytics, internet of things and artificial intelligence, what Hume calls “next generation technology,” which is experiencing hyper-growth in an IT market that is otherwise growing by the single-digits, annually.

For Greenville, that opens up the opportunity for future growth.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring more resources to Greenville not only to support the core business, but also to support those next-gen technology areas,” he said. “And Greenville’s a great town. It has great opportunity overall. I think it’s a jewel that is being uncovered.”

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Cameron’s Story

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 20:57:00 GMT

During Cameron’s first month at ACH, when he became agitated the clinical team focused on redirecting him rather than stopping the behavior. Cameron would go to another part of the room by himself, or with a treatment provider, taking him out of the upsetting situation so he could calm down. Providers also taught Cameron ways to communicate verbally and non-verbally so he wouldn’t get as frustrated and upset.

At Christine and Cameron’s first Family Therapy Home Session, their therapist shared some extra strategies. Christine was skeptical but willing to try. She called the therapist later that week to share that Cameron was still having some rough outbursts, but the new strategies calmed him down before he became uncontrollable.

After a year with ACH, Cameron was discharged from our facility to attend his local daycare. During their final assessment, Christine talked about how much Cameron had changed and couldn’t believe he was the same child. She was looking forward to using the parenting skills she learned at ACH as they moved into the next chapter of their lives.

You can support children like Cameron by investing in our programs today. Click here to donate.

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A CHILD’S HAVEN: Creating Therapeutic Environments for Children and Families Affected by Trauma

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 19:30:00 GMT

Five Forks Neighbors Charity Spotlight article written by Shanna Walker. Published July 2021

A Child’s Haven (ACH) is a Greenville based, non-profit organization that treats children with developmental delays as a result of limited resources, abuse, or neglect. They also provide support and education for the child and their families. Research from 2019 indicated that in Greenville County, nearly 60% of children under the age of five have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). Approximately 20% of those children live in poverty, and about 12% suffer developmental delays.

For children with behavioral, social, or emotional challenges, success in a mainstream child care program or preschool can be difficult. ACH delivers therapeutic child care for victims of abuse and neglect, along with therapeutic interventions for caregivers, many of who have suffered similar trauma. Most of the children at ACH have been expelled from a typical daycare setting due to developmental delays or behavioral health issues associated with trauma. Lack of access to a regular early childhood development program severely impacts these children’s ability to transition to a traditional classroom setting upon entering the public school system. Their developmental and academic delays place them far behind their peers. Without early intervention, the vast majority of these children may never recover from such a poor start to their education.

ACH embraces new innovations in the childhood mental health field and wants to capitalize on the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors by transforming its outdoor spaces into Therapeutic Outdoor Environments (TOEs). Plans for the TOEs include four distinct spaces. The Pavilion is currently a paved and covered area for tricycle rides and playtime on rainy days.

The refreshed Pavilion will add a dozen species of new plants, a butterfly garden, and a beautiful pathway that crosses over a bridge and under a pergola. The Vegetable Garden currently on site
consists of a few raised garden beds where fruits and vegetables are grown. The new Vegetable Garden will include expanded planting beds with fruit trees, berries, and herbs. This new space will encourage healthy eating, teach patience and responsibility, and demonstrate teamwork. The foods grown here will be used in the ACH kitchen and distributed to the families they serve. The Retreat Garden is a totally new space that will be perfect for Individual Therapy sessions, de-escalation walks for children experiencing outbursts, or, simply, a calm and beautiful place for staff to recharge. A new Infant Playground will include plants, an acoustic play space, a play house, a paved walkway for wheeled play, and a shade sail to protect the little ones on hot days.

This inspiring plan doesn’t stop with just these spaces. Funds are being raised for a second phase which includes transforming three acres of unutilized land into a microfarm. “We are collaborating with local partners across sectors to bring this vision to life,” says Tanya Camunas, executive director of A Child’s Haven. “These environments are optimal for at-risk children and families to heal, learn, and thrive,” Tanya continues. “We’re excited that our organization could be on the cutting edge of what the standards for all early childhood developmental and educational programs should be.”

With so much activity and growth at the center, ACH is looking for additional staff to support their expansion. Interested applicants can find out more on ACH’s employment opportunities on their website, www. achildshaven.org/careers/ .

For more information about A Child’s Haven, its mission, and the Therapeutic Outdoor Environments project, visit their website.

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A Child’s Haven teams up with Paws2Care

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:37:00 GMT

Since April, ACH and Paws2Care have been partnering to bring this additional service twice a month to children who have experienced trauma. Pet therapy is known to provide stress relief, improve self-esteem, and decrease depression in children with social-emotional and behavioral challenges. ACH equips these children with skills needed to return to and remain in mainstream childcare settings.

During the last few months, the children at ACH have gained skills and made great progress in their therapy due to supplemental services such as Paws2Care. ACH Program Director, Coraretta Smalls, had this to say about our partnerships. “A Child’s Haven is so happy that Paws2Care found our organization. This supplemental therapy service has allowed our children to practice some of the skills we are teaching them in our treatment rooms while also having fun.”

About Paws2Care: Founded 30 years ago by Sherry Anderson, Paws2Care is a volunteer led organization that strives to provide stress relief and brighten people’s lives through pet therapy. http://paws2care.net/

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Julia’s Success Story

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 19:06:00 GMT

When asked, Meredith shared that Julia preferred to play alone and would often argue and fight with peers. Julia would also throw things out of anger and frustration. Meredith admitted she would sometimes lose control when disciplining Julia and yell at her uncontrollably. The Child and Family Therapist comforted her and said that during their time at ACH, both Meredith and her daughter would grow and learn positive ways to deal with Julia’s outbursts.

After a few months at ACH, Julia began utilizing self regulation strategies she learned from our clinical staff. She also began verbalizing his frustrations instead of using violence. If Julia resorted to violence, Clinical Treatment Providers redirected her and calmed her down with breathing techniques and sensory stuffed animals. Along with the social-emotional and behavioral curriculum, ACH was also helping Julia prepare for kindergarten. This combination helped Julia heal from her trauma while also preparing her for success in school after ACH.

By the time Julia discharged, she had positive peer interactions, better listening skills, and had learned to accept situations that didn’t go her way. During the last home visitation with their Child and Family Therapist, Meredith shared she was happy with Julia’s progress and believed she was ready for kindergarten.

Invest in our programs today so we can continue to help strengthen more families like Julia’s. Donate today.

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Naomi and Justin’s Story

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 18:18:00 GMT

Naomi was two years old and Justin was only six months old when the Department of Social Services (DSS) removed them from their biological parent’s custody because of a child neglect incident. Naomi’s foster mother referred her for treatment at A Child’s Haven (ACH). Naomi was aggressive towards herself and others, and she would hit herself and her peers when angry or frustrated. During her ACH intake assessment, Naomi was diagnosed with language delays and Separation Anxiety Disorder.

Justin began his ACH journey four months later because of developmental delays and parent-child relational challenges. Fortunately at this point, DSS had determined it was safe for Naomi and Justin to be back in the care of their biological parents. Because of this, ACH was able to continue helping the children, and our Child and Family Therapist was able to work directly with the biological parents as well.

Cynthia, ACH Clinical Director and the family’s Child and Family Therapist, worked with Naomi and Justin separately in Individual Therapy sessions and provided many Family Therapy sessions with their parents. Through the process Cynthia learned Justin and Naomi’s biological mother had suffered from trauma as a child. Cynthia helped the mother deal with her childhood traumas so she could avoid making the same mistakes with Naomi and Justin. During one of their family sessions, the mother shared, “I can say that both of us (mother and father) have matured. We don’t want our kids to have the same experiences that we had.”

The entire family worked hard to overcome their challenges, and after one year of treatment, Naomi and Justin were discharged from ACH and transitioned to traditional daycare. Naomi is no longer aggressive when frustrated or angry, is less defiant, and her language skills have improved. Justin has developed a strong relationship with his parents and his language delays are improving. Best of all, their family has been reunited and, together, they are all stronger.

Cynthia is thrilled with this family’s success. “They anticipated what they would be asked to do and just did it in advance. And they were the most cooperative and engaged parents I’ve had on my caseload in a long time. So I’d recommend this family as a success story, even though I give them full credit for their success. They put in the work and just did it, with our support.”

Invest in our programs and services today so we can continue to help reunite more families like Naomi and Justin’s. Donate today.

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Foodies For Futures WSSL Radio Interview

Fri, 28 May 2021 18:40:00 GMT

Our second annual Foodies For Futures fundraiser event is coming up on June 17th! Development and Communications Specialist, Emily Harper, recently had a radio interview with Bill Ellis from WSSL 100.5. The interview ran on three iHeart Radio stations (100.5, 102.5, and 92.5) during the early hours of May 22 ^nd and 23 ^rd . Click the link to listen to the interview and register for your Foodies For Futures box today! https://achildshaven.org/foodies-june-2021/ You don’t want to miss this tasty and entertaining virtual event. All funds raised benefit the healing therapy we provide at A Child’s Haven.

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But Not All At Once with Anne Smith, Episode 97 with guest Tanya Camunas

Thu, 27 May 2021 16:33:00 GMT

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Greenville Women Giving awards 11 grants totaling $550,000

Tue, 25 May 2021 15:11:00 GMT

Greenville Women Giving awards 11 grants totaling $550,000

A Child's Haven

Fox Carolina Interviews Tanya Camunas About Child Abuse Awareness Month – May 2021

Wed, 12 May 2021 18:23:00 GMT

Fox Carolina Interviews Tanya Camunas About Child Abuse Awareness Month – May 2021

A Child's Haven

Opinion: As pandemic subsides, A Child’s Haven looks to new challenges ahead

Wed, 12 May 2021 16:03:00 GMT

Published 4:00 p.m. ET May 8, 2021

As summer 2021 looms, no one doubts there will be unprecedented challenges as we emerge from a pandemic and slowly return to normal lives and relationships. Experts fear that child abuse and neglect grew during the previous year as family stress coupled with isolation from school and other public outlets prevented detection and intervention by those trained to help.

Children living in poverty with caregivers struggling to provide for their families — while battling their own mental health challenges — are at greater risk for abuse or neglect. The coronavirus pandemic placed the most vulnerable among us at risk of even greater potential harm.

An AP national analysis has found there were more than 400,000 fewer child welfare concerns reported during the pandemic, and 200,000 fewer child abuse and neglect investigations and assessments, compared with the same time period of 2019, an 18% decrease in both total reports and investigations.

These are the children that we serve at A Child’s Haven (ACH). The agency delivers therapeutic child care for victims of abuse and neglect, along with therapeutic interventions for caregivers, many of whom have suffered similar trauma. ACH delivers classroom-based therapy that is evidence-based and trauma-informed. Each child receives individual therapy from a licensed clinician at least once weekly, and that same clinician provides in-home therapy with the child and his or her caregivers.

Research from 2019 indicates that approximately 32,000 children under age 5 live in Greenville County, and nearly 60% of them have experienced at least one “Adverse Childhood Experience.” Twenty percent live in poverty, approximately 12% suffer a developmental delay, and more than 1,000 children experience abuse or neglect. We fear that number has risen, perhaps significantly.

All of our children at ACH are diagnosed with a clinical behavioral health disorder, necessitating intense intervention for rehabilitation. Almost one-third of our children live in foster care or with a relative as a result of abuse or neglect, and nearly half of our families are involved with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). Two-thirds of our families are single-parent households, and 38% of our families experience some form of household unemployment. Three-quarters of our caregivers hold a high school education or less.

All of the children at ACH have been expelled from a typical day-care setting because of behavioral health issues resulting from trauma. Their removal from a regular early childhood development program severely impacts their ability to adapt and thrive in a regular school classroom once they enter the public school system. Their developmental and academic delays place them far behind their peers, and without intervention the vast majority may never recover.

The ACH program is designed to equip children, and their caregivers, with the tools and education to overcome these challenges and return to a regular early childhood setting, or a school classroom.

As we emerge from this crisis, our most vulnerable children need our help, guidance and protection. ACH learned a lot in 2020. We expanded our program to an 11-hour day, added the ABC Quality program, and partnered with SC First Steps in our 4K program. We plan in 2021 to dramatically upgrade our outdoor space to focus even more on trauma-informed therapy. We would love for you to learn more about us by visiting our website.

And, if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected or is in immediate danger, call 911. If you think a family could benefit from our services, visit AChildsHaven.org to make a referral or contact us.

Tanya Camunas is executive director of A Child’s Haven and can be reached at tanyac@achildshaven.org.

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Therapeutic Child Care: An Underused Tool in Family Preservation and Foster Care

Tue, 11 May 2021 18:17:00 GMT

FILED 2/ 16/ 2016

BY MARIE K. COHEN

We know that chronic abuse and neglect can interrupt a young child’s brain development and result in developmental delays and behavioral problems. We also know that early intervention can mitigate the consequences of early adversity. Yet we are investing almost nothing in early childhood programs to mitigate the effects of abuse and neglect for young children.

When an abused or neglected infant, toddler or preschooler is removed from home, he or she is often placed in child care for up to 12 hours a day within a day or two of being placed with a foster family. And, at least in the District of Columbia, all that is required is that the provider be licensed and available.

For children who are found to be abused or neglected but are kept at home, states are emphasizing therapy or parenting skills training for the parents. But rarely do they invest in early childhood programs designed to mitigate the past and ongoing effects of the adversity these children are experiencing.

Seattle’s Childhaven program is one of few programs that provide therapeutic child care for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The program provides therapeutic day care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers who have experienced trauma. At the same time, it teaches parents the skills to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect.

A study of children who started at Childhaven between 1980 and 1982 found strong positive effects twelve years later. They were six times less likely to have committed a violent crime and two-and-a-half times less likely to use drugs. Moreover, they used 50 percent less public benefits.

Children are referred to Childhaven by child welfare services agencies, drug treatment services, public health, and welfare departments. Some are at risk of being removed from abusive or neglected homes; others have already been removed and are in foster care.

The children receive individualized, therapeutic care for six hours per day, including two healthy meals and a snack. Highly trained and experienced staff and low child-teacher ratios–3:1 for children up to two years of age and 5:1 for children aged three to five–means that staff can implement an individual treatment plan for each child.

The program achieves its therapeutic effect through consistency, structured routine, attentive listening, the opportunity for children to make their own choices, and clear limits and boundaries. Transportation is provided daily by the teachers—on a rotating basis— which allows daily check-ins with the parents.

“Childhaven is basically a trauma therapy center disguised as a day care facility, so children can have a happy, fun place to come,” Childhaven CEO Maria Wilcox told the Seattle Times .

Program staff work with parents and children together to coach parents in appropriate interactions with their children. This occurs at the center, where parents are encouraged to visit as often as they like, and where staff can model and coach parents in playing with their children. It also occurs during monthly home visits.

Childhaven offers periodic parent support group meetings to discuss issues of interest to parents. It also offers four different evidence-based parent skill-building programs for parents who are willing and able to participate.

It is easy to see why states are not investing in therapeutic child care programs. The average cost of Childhaven is $36,720 per child, per year. But remember that government money is already being spent on child care for children in foster care as well as children of low- income working mothers. And states are beginning to invest in pre-K for four-year-olds as well—money that could be funneled into therapeutic programs for children who need them.

Moreover, the cost of continuing to ignore this opportunity to help traumatized children before they enter school means continuing to incur future costs in terms of crime, drug abuse, mental illness, and public assistance.

I hope that private funders—including the new Blue Meridian Partners initiative recently covered by The Chronicle — will consider replicating this program including a randomized controlled trial to include a cost-benefit analysis. This approach may be expensive, but doing without will ultimately cost more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marie Cohen is a child advocate, researcher, and policy analyst. She worked as social worker in the District of Columbia’s child welfare system for five years. She is a member of the Citizen’s Review Committee for the DC Child and Family Services Agency and the DC Child Fatality Review Commission and a mentor to a foster youth. Follow her blog at fosteringreform.blogspot.org, on Facebook at Fostering Reform or on Twitter@fosteringreform.

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John and Elizabeth’s Story

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 19:02:00 GMT

After completing the intake process, John and Elizabeth started treatment at ACH. During the first few months, John was aggressive toward his peers and teachers. He also exhibited a lot of sadness and other tough emotions. Fortunately, with the help of our trained staff, these outbursts led to breakthroughs. With daily intervention in our Therapeutic Child Care program, and several Individual Therapy and Family Therapy sessions, John, and the whole family, began making progress!

In the treatment rooms, our team equipped John with coping skills for the tough emotions that came from some of the trauma he endured. For example, when John would get upset and begin throwing things, our staff would divert his attention away from the situation, get him to take a deep breath, and walk away. John also learned to touch each finger to his thumb while counting to ten. These actions may seem small, but these small habits along with other interventions changed John’s world.

Mary learned coping skills of her own to deal with the trauma she’d experienced from her ex-husband. Together, their family began to heal and was eventually discharged. Since leaving ACH, Mary reported that John continues to progress daily. He no longer shows aggression towards his little sister. In fact, John has begun helping mom around the house by completing small chores and consoling Elizabeth when she’s upset.

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Rosa’s Story

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:52:00 GMT

Rosa was 18 months old when her family began treatment at A Child’s Haven (ACH). During the intake, Rosa’s mother shared that Rosa would throw tantrums and become anxious whenever she left the room or with the slightest change to their routine. Spanish is the primary language in Rosa’s home, so her vocabulary was slightly delayed, which made it hard for Rosa to express her needs and created more communication challenges at her previous child care center. ACH’s Child and Family Therapist told Rosa’s mom that we have bilingual staff that is specially trained to help Rosa work through her anxiety and overcome language barriers. Rosa’s mother was relieved and excited to ACH could to help her daughter and her family.

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Tony’s Story

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 16:09:00 GMT

During Tony’s first week at ACH, he was not responsive to the treatment providers in the room. When asked questions or given tasks, Tony would turn around and ignore them or would start throwing toys. The treatment providers searched to find productive ways for Tony to channel his negative energy. Tony began gravitating towards the bubbles and asked the providers to blow bubbles for him when he was getting upset.

Along with the group treatment, Tony and his mother also worked with their CFT at ACH during their Individual Therapy and Family Therapy sessions. Their therapist focused on specific topics to help Tony progress. Through play therapy, the therapist acted out situations with toys and dolls, helping Tony understand how to recognize emotions and how to communicate them to his peers and family members. Another strategy the therapist gave Tony was a stress ball. She worked with him, practicing the motion of squeezing and releasing the ball. This simple strategy, along with blowing bubbles, helped Tony work through his anger and frustration.

The therapist also helped Carole set behavioral expectations and implement consistent routines to help Tony. Carole began putting special emphasis on praising Tony instead of constantly yelling or disciplining him. Ignoring some of Tony’s negative behaviors and making a bigger deal out of his positive behaviors encouraged Tony to repeat positive behaviors.

Over the course of a year, Tony’s tantrums and outbursts declined significantly. His siblings began playing with him more, and Carole reported that there was a lot less yelling in their home. Tony successfully transitioned to a 5K program when he was discharged from ACH. He’s doing well, but ACH is always here to help if the family needs us again.

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Meet Our 2021 Board of Directors Executive Committee & Inductees

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 16:02:00 GMT

As we enter a new year, A Child’s Haven is excited to welcome our new Executive Committee, as well as, three new inductees to new three-year terms on our board of directors.

Our new Executive Committee includes Brent Atwood – President, Danny Mezzancello – Past President, Dawn Rumney – Vice President, Kimberly Singleton – Secretary, and Roselle Bonnoitt – Treasurer.

2021 Inductees include Lindsey Davis, Rachel Putman, and Lyle Pritchard, MD. Our 2021 board of directors represent a wide range of experiences and diverse perspectives.

There is no doubt that the entire board will continue to work hard to push our organization further, lifting lives and reshaping futures of many children and their families. Click here for an entire list of our 2021 Board of Directors.

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Nevaeh’s Story

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 20:08:00 GMT

As she sat in the hospital, Pauline knew that she needed help to be the best mom possible for her new baby. After several months of counseling, right before Nevaeh’s first birthday, Pauline told her social worker she wanted to learn about other resources to help her address Navaeh’s developmental and social-emotional challenges. That’s when they received a referral to A Child’s Haven.

During intake, a Child and Family Therapist sat down with Pauline and asked her a series of questions to learn how we could best help her and her child. More than that, the therapist cared, listened, talked through past trauma and reviewed Nevaeh’s Individual Plan of Care with Pauline. ACH believed in Pauline, which empowered her in a situation where far too many families feel powerless.

After a few months of treatment, Nevaeh began reaching some basic developmental milestones needed to help her continue growing to meet more of her goals. During this time, a Child and Family Therapist met with Pauline for Family Therapy sessions a few times a month. During these sessions, the therapist helped Pauline create routines and habits in the home that would reinforce the progress Nevaeh was making at A Child’s Haven.

Today, Pauline is a strong, courageous, and motivated parent. Nevaeh has transitioned back into a traditional daycare setting and is thriving under her mom’s confident parenting.

Investing in families like Nevaeh and Pauline’s not only fortifies and strengthens their family unit, it strengthens our entire community. Invest today by clicking here .

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Aiden’s Story

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 01:43:00 GMT

At Aiden’s appointment, his Pediatrician knew that something was wrong and referred them to A Child’s Haven (ACH). During their intake, his mother talked with the Child and Family Therapist about how any changes in routine, even the small changes, would send Aiden into meltdowns so severe he would get sick to his stomach.

The therapist concluded Aiden was struggling with anxiety, possibly resulting from other developmental delays. Shortly after, Aiden began therapy at ACH.

After only one month, Aiden’s aggression began to improve. He still had meltdowns often, but was beginning to practice some of the strategies taught each day in the group treatment room. Aiden learned skills modeled by his Clinical Treatment Providers in his classroom.

By holding therapy sessions with Aiden’s parents, Aiden’s Child and Family Therapist were able to help his family implement certain routines into their home life. These new routines and strategies allowed Aiden have consistency to help him continue to reach his goal.

Aiden was discharged and successfully transitioned into a 5K program and it has been reported that he is doing well. Support more children like Aiden by donating to A Child’s Haven.

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Halli’s Story

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 15:36:00 GMT

Because of this trauma, Halli had severe developmental delays including trouble communicating though speech, extreme anxiety, and radical behavioral challenges. Fortunately, Halli’s foster parents had heard about A Child’s Haven (ACH) and began the self-referral process.

Halli started ACH less than a week after the intake process was completed. During her first few days, she cried constantly. Our Clinical Treatment Providers worked extra hard to communicate with Halli to help her work through her anxiety.

After two short weeks, Halli began showing great progress. She learned how to communicate certain commands and needs through sign language such as, “more”, “please”, “thank you”, “all done”, and more. Being able to communicate, even if only in a small way, gave Halli more confidence to use her signs and she began trying to use words to communicate instead of relying on crying.

Not only did Halli gain new skills, but her foster parents did also. The family’s ACH Child and Family Therapist (CFT) equipped them with much needed tools to help Halli continue her progress at home. The CFT also provided emotional support, which gave Halli’s foster parents the strength and confidence they needed to be there for Halli as she recovered from her trauma.

Before transitioning to a typical daycare facility, Halli and her foster parents took another assessment to check their progress. The difference was astounding. Halli was forming small sentences and went from having multiple anxiety attacks every week, to one or two per month. Halli was ready to move on and continue learning in a new environment.

You can help support children like Halli by investing in our Therapeutic Treatment Programs.

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Kory’s Story

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 13:48:00 GMT

During Kory’s first month at ACH, when he became agitated the clinical team focused on redirecting him rather than getting him to stop the behavior. Kory went to another part of the room by himself, or with a treatment provider, taking him out of the upsetting situation so he could begin calming down.

At Tina and Kory’s first Family Therapy / Home Visit, their Child and Family Therapist told her about this technique and offered some extra strategies to try at home. Tina was skeptical but willing to try. She ended up calling the therapist later that week to share that Kory was still having some rough outbursts, but she was amazed that most of the time, she could calm Kory down before he became uncontrollable.

After a year with ACH, Kory discharged from our facility to attend his local daycare. During their final assessment, Tina talked about how much Kory had changed and couldn’t believe he was the same child. She was looking forward to using the parenting skills she learned at ACH as they moved into the next chapter of their lives.

You can support children like Sidney by investing in our programs today. Click here to donate.

** Names and a few details have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients .

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Sidney’s Story

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 16:47:00 GMT

Sidney’s treatment at A Child’s Haven (ACH) began when she was three and a half years old. Her pediatrician referred Sidney so she could overcome her social-emotional delays and behavioral challen ges such as extreme aggression and anxiety. When our Child and Family Therapist talked with Sidney’s mom Tammy during intake, she learned some disturbing information about the family’s past.

When Tamm y was pregnant with Sidney, her husband, Sidney’s father, was physically abusive. Sidney’s father struggled with alcohol and drug addictions and would lash out at Tammy. He passed away a few years later due to a drug overdose. Even two years after the trauma of losing her husband, the Child and Family Therapist saw the death was still extremely hard for Tammy to discuss, and that Sidney’s family needed ACH services.

During Sidney’s time at ACH, Clinical Treatment staff provided interventions focused on helping Sidney verbalize her needs instead of becoming aggressive and helping Sidney learn to focus on certain tasks. ACH also worked with her mother and grandmother during Family Therapy sessions, and Sidney made great progress.

Tammy learned that the other caregivers in her child’s life needed to learn to co-parent with her to maximize Sidney’s progress. To get everyone on the same page Sidney’s ACH Child and Family Therapist worked with Sidney’s grandmother and taught her co-parenting strategies.

Sidney’s behavior began to turn around, and Tammy was thrilled . Sidney would utilize the skills she learned, counting and taking deep breaths when she became frustrated. Tammy even shared that Sidney would say, “Mommy, I need to walk away.” Not only was Sidney able to recognize her anger, she could take care of it on her own!

After 10 months of treatment at A Child’s Haven, Sidney was discharged and started 4K later that summer. Today, Sidney is nine and continues to excel in school. Tammy shared, “Our little family is so thankful for A Child’s Haven. It changed our lives.”

You can support children like Sidney by investing in our programs today. Click here to donate.

** Names and a few details have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients .

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Jaylen’s Story

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 18:13:00 GMT

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ACH Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – Reopen plan

Thu, 28 May 2020 20:24:00 GMT

Memo To: Public From: A Child’s Haven

A Child’s Haven Reopen Plan

After weeks of quarantine with teletherapy services, A Child’s Haven (ACH) is reopening our Treatment Center June 1 with heightened safety precautions in place. Please read below for a synopsis of our new safety precautions.

Before entering the building:

Each child, adult, and staff member will fill out a questionnaire and complete a temperature check. If anyone answers yes to any question, or has a fever, they will be denied access to the building. Once the screening is complete, they will sanitize their hands and enter the building.

Children will be walked from their car, to the treatment room by ACH staff. Parents and Caregivers will not enter the building unless absolutely necessary, even if they have been screened.

Inside the building:

We are implementing extra sanitation precautions in each treatment room. Staff will be encouraged to wear a mask when in close proximity to children or other co-workers. We have masks for children as well but will not require children wear the mask if they are uncomfortable.

We have split our staff into Team A and B to limit the number of people in each treatment room. If one team member needs to leave the room for any reason (i.e. to use the restroom), the another team member will enter and take over their responsibilities in the treatment room until the other team member returns.

All surfaces, toys, materials will be disinfected daily and all cloth items such as stuffed animals, sheets, blankets, and pillows will be washed weekly.

As always, all staff will practice good hand washing techniques, cover sneezes and coughs, and stay home if sick.

If someone shows COVID-19 symptoms:

If a staff member or child exhibits COVID-19 symptoms once in the building, they will be escorted to a designated isolation room where they will wait until they leave the premises or until a caregiver can pick them up. Staff members and other adults will be able stay in the isolation room alone. If a child exhibits symptoms, they will be isolated with a staff member that they have rapport with until they are picked up by their caregiver.

No one will be able to enter the isolation room until it is disinfected 24 hours after a sick person leaves the room.

In order for that staff member or child to return, they must present documentation from a medical professional that states they do not have COVID-19 or are not sick anymore.

If someone is diagnosed with COVID-19:

If someone at ACH is diagnosed with COVID-19, we will shut down our facility for 72 hours to allow enough time for us to disinfect the entire facility. That person or child will not be able to return to ACH for work or treatment services unless they have documentation from a medical professional stating that they are no longer infected.

All safety precautions were developed based on the latest recommendations from the CDC and DHEC. Our leadership team continues to monitor COVID-19 and will make adjustments in our policies when necessary. We thank you for your patience and support throughout this time. Because of you, children and families were still able to receive teletherapy treatment during our temporary shutdown. We look forward to reopening our treatment center on June 1 and providing our full services once again.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) UPDATE – Closing Monday, 3/23

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:08:00 GMT

Memo To: Public From: A Child’s Haven

We have decided suspend services on Monday, March 23 ^rd . This means that we will not be providing transportation, childcare, or in-person treatment during this time. Our HOPE is to reopen to normal operations on April 6th; however, we will assess our reopening date and may decide to extend it based on the virus situation.

During the suspension of our normal services, we are committed to continue providing our families with support, consultation, resources and interventions through phone calls, text messages, and emails. Our families are encouraged to reach out to our Child and Family Therapists at any time during the suspension of our normal services.

A Child’s Haven wants to sincerely thank everyone for your cooperation, flexibility and trust to serve our children and families during this difficult time of deciding our response to the Coronavirus/COVID-19. It has been our plan to remain open to serve and treat children to prevent them from regressing in their treatment. While we remained open, we followed and exceeded every precaution to keep our children and families safe. However, we have decided that we need to change course as health experts have recommended further closures and cancellations.

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Max’s Story

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 22:25:00 GMT

Once Max started attending ACH, our staff worked very closely with him and his mother to help him reach his goals. The Clinical Treatment Provider at ACH created a plan for Max to learn and improve his emotional and behavioral self-regulation skills, emotion-recognition skills, and social communication skills, along with decreasing his aggressive and self-harm behaviors and tantrums. Max’s mother also completed Parent Education courses and learned positive parenting skills to help Max become successful.

During his treatment at ACH, Max showed great progress in meeting his goals and objectives. He followed instructions and was more compliant at home. He increased his social interaction with the people around him. Max developed a healthier coping mechanism for his anxiety and quit biting his fingers.

Despite all of this success with his other behaviors, Max’s sleeping habits continued to present a challenge. Our Clinical Treatment Providers recognized that he was sleeping too much in ACH’s Group Therapy rooms and not enough at home. Our Child and Family Therapist worked with Max’s mother to create a sleep routine that assured Max was sleeping enough at home. This meant setting boundaries and making sure Max did not watch television or engage in other activities after bedtime.

After nine months of attending A Child’s Haven, Max achieved his treatment goals. He was equipped with many skills that would help in school and in his home life. Max demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and is now familiar with healthy coping strategies to use when he feels anxious. The ACH treatment team supported Max’s mother every step of the way when he was ready to transfer to Kindergarten. Today, Max is eight years old and doing well in school. His mother shared that Max still struggles with anxiety, but because he developed healthy coping skills, even the “bad” days really aren’t that bad. You can invest in our program and help children like Max!

*For the privacy of our families, names and some details have been changed.

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Greenville News Opinion: How ACH seeks ‘transformative outcomes’ for abused, neglected children

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 14:29:00 GMT

Mental health issues affect all ages, and the mental health issues of our youngest children require serious clinical interventions to both heal the child and prevent potential deterioration of the entire family. The term Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) encompasses all types of abuse, neglect, and other traumatic experiences suffered by children under 18.

These experiences, if not treated, very often lead to risky behaviors, chronic health conditions, and early death. The level of exposure to ACEs severely hinders economic mobility and eventual prosperity of victims and their families. That, in turn, hurts our entire community. Recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates report that child abuse and neglect costs America approximately $124 billion per year.

A Child’s Haven serves young victims of abuse and neglect in specialized classrooms staffed by trained educators and clinicians. Many of our children also reside with adult caregivers who suffered abuse and neglect when they were young, and A Child’s Haven treats those families in their homes. We are unique in the Upstate, and our innovative, multi-generational approach to counteracting negative effects of ACEs with therapy distinguishes us in the field of behavioral health.

Nearly 1,000 of Greenville’s children under age 5 are confirmed victims of neglect or abuse each year, and more than 9,000 statewide. Infant victims miss important developmental milestones and grow up to be young children who act out. Many are suspended or expelled from child care centers. Across America, approximately 250 preschoolers are suspended or expelled each day.

A Child’s Haven is not a typical child care center. We work with young children and families who lack access to high-quality behavioral health treatment. The children and families we serve have high ACE scores that require intensive therapy to reshape their futures.

A July 2019 congressional hearing on childhood abuse and neglect reached three important conclusions: “Childhood trauma is a pervasive public health issue with long- term negative health effects that cost the United States billions of dollars; we need a comprehensive federal approach that…prioritizes prevention and treatment; some states and localities are implementing promising programs…that can inform federal solutions – but they face resource constraints that limit their ability….”

A Child’s Haven is one of those local resources. We invest in our direct service staff and evidence-based programs to deliver highly effective treatment. We recently hired a bi-lingual clinician who works with Spanish-speaking children. The high quality of our staff and services is critical to achieving desired outcomes.

University of Chicago economist Dr. James Heckman found in research conducted in and around Chapel Hill that high-quality, birth-to-5 early childhood education for disadvantaged families generated a 13% return on investment for each year of a child’s life. The return for those also suffering from abuse and neglect undoubtedly is even higher.

A Child’s Haven is one of only two organizations in South Carolina, along with Children’s Place in Aiken, that provides classroom-based Therapeutic Child Care. It is a child-focused, family-centered intervention that targets the relationship between the child and the parent. Our children receive classroom-based and individual therapy within an evidence-based curriculum called Incredible Beginnings.

This year we will add Child-Parent Psychotherapy as an evidence-based family therapy in the home with caregivers and the child. Services are relationship-based, developmentally appropriate and trauma informed. Our three-core service model of child and family services will become the first evidence-based behavioral health program of its kind in South Carolina. We then will replicate it with confidence to reach families beyond Greenville County.

A Child’s Haven has a 28-year legacy of improving the lives of at-risk young children and their families in Greenville County. Our therapies aim to keep children in their homes and communities, rather than displacing the child into foster care, and they promote behaviors and skill sets that preclude future interventions.

We yield transformative outcomes for children and families. Children move on to successful years in traditional classrooms, and caregivers find the stability that allows them to live and work productively in our community.

We invite you to learn more about the effects of abuse and neglect and our work at A Child’s Haven by visiting www.achildshaven.org. We welcome guests by appointment, and if you know someone who might benefit from our program, please contact us to talk to a clinician.

Tanya Camunas serves as Executive Director at A Child’s Haven and can be reached at tanyac@achildshaven.org.

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A Child’s Haven Appoints Tanya Camunas Executive Director

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 15:04:00 GMT

ACH Board of Directors President, Danny Mezzancello, on the decision, “Ms. Camunas’ passion for and experience with the cause, methodical decision making, and natural leadership style uniquely equip her to further the critical mission at A Child’s Haven. The Board is excited to have Ms. Camunas shepherd the organization into its next chapter.”

Camunas joined ACH as Director of Quality Assurance & Program Evaluation in July 2017 and was promoted to Senior Director of Program and Strategy in November 2018. Prior to her time at ACH, she worked in the field for over a decade including owning a nonprofit consulting business, Program Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA/GAL) in Colorado, and Florida Department of Social Services. Camunas holds degrees in Human Services and Business Economics, and she specializes in performance measurement, program evaluation, strategic planning and program development.

“It is a true honor to serve this amazing organization in this new capacity and work with such a talented team. I am committed to ensure we advance our mission to provide at risk children and families with therapeutic services they need to thrive. We are confident we will demonstrate that every community needs a place like A Child’s Haven.”

About A Child’s Haven (ACH): Founded in 1992 by Eva P. Hunt, ACH is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that that treats children with developmental delays as a result of limited resources, abuse, or neglect, and provides support and education for their families. It is one of only two therapeutic childcare service providers in South Carolina. https://achildshaven.org

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Paige’s Story

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 22:05:00 GMT

When she was only two years old, an outside foundation referred Paige to A Child’s Haven (ACH) to address social-emotional delays and behavioral concerns. During the intake appointment, Paige’s Foster Mother explained Paige was nonverbal and she had problems with her nonverbal communication as well. Paige also had a short attention span, was upset by separation and she was aggressive and impulsive.

In the Group Therapy Rooms, ACH Clinical Treatment Providers were really concerned by Paige’s lack of receptive and expressive language skills. Paige had real challenges using her words and ACH staff was determined to find strategies and resources to improve her communication. The ACH Child and Family Therapist warned Paige’s Foster Mom that her child’s reliance on non-verbal communication would be a barrier to future success in school, so helping Paige find her speaking voice became a priority.

During her ACH treatment, Paige threw tantrums, ignored staff directions, bit and hit. Paige was taught skills and strategies that helped minimize these behavior outbursts. For example, Clinical Treatment Providers taught Paige breathing strategies to use when she started to get upset.

Paige began to come out of her shell and her behavior improved. During her discharge assessment, Paige made eye contact two out of three times when spoken to. Her vocabulary improved and Paige could finally say the words, “Mama” and “No’ and began to understand verbal instructions.

Paige’s Foster Mom and ACH treatment team discussed next steps for Paige after discharge, and Paige’s Foster Mom was concerned about the transition to a typical classroom setting. ACH staff recommended a school in the district that helped children like Paige, and ACH staff helped strategize ideas to minimize the impact of changes. After 10 months of attending A Child’s Haven, Paige achieved her treatment goals and transferred to a school with a that incorporated special education services into their 3K program. Since then, Paige has found her voice, and she’s learned how to listen too.

*For the privacy of our families, names and some details have been changed.

The post Paige’s Story appeared first on A Child's Haven .

Jacob’s Story

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 15:15:00 GMT

During intake, the ACH Child and Family Therapist asked about what Ava knew about Jacob’s experience with his birth mother. Ava didn’t have all of the details, but she knew that Jacob had tested positive for marijuana once. She also knew that Jacob’s birth mother was a heavy drinker and a marijuana user herself, but did not know for sure if Jacob had been exposed to either drug while in his mother’s womb.

After intake, Jacob start group therapy with other two and three-year old children in ACH’s Buttercups room. The high ratio of children to adults assured Jacob received the special attention needed to help him start healing. After only two months of treatment, Jacob was better at controlling his anger and positive peer interactions. After six months of group therapy and individual play therapy sessions, Jacob began to show more compassion for his peers. One day, he accidentally ran over another child’s finger with a toy car. When she began crying, Jacob asked if she was ok and gave her a hug. ACH staff noted that this was a big breakthrough for Jacob and praised him for checking on his friend and taking responsibility for his actions.

These examples may seem insignificant, but for Jacob and his Ava, this kind of progress ensures he will be ready to start Pre-K on schedule. Reshape more futures like Jacob’s by donating to ACH today.

*For the privacy of our families, names and some details have been changed.

The post Jacob’s Story appeared first on A Child's Haven .

Carson’s Story

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 21:05:00 GMT

One week later, Carson began treatment in our Buttercups Therapy Room. Of course, Carson was nervous during his first few days. Because of this, he had a particularly hard time verbally expressing his needs like the day Carson kicked one of the Clinical Treatment Providers when going down for a nap because he did not want a blanket. Carson got the special attention he needed, and within a month he began communicating much more effectively and less violently. Carson used his words more and practiced patience when someone didn’t understand what he was asking for.

Carson’s parents also gained extra parenting tools during their home visits with their Child and Family Therapist. Carson’s Father learned ways to make the most of his time with Carson while he was home. His mother gained skills to help Carson work through his outbursts at home and in public. Carson’s family reported that there are still bad days, but he is doing so much better. Carson has gotten used to the family’s new routine and changes aren’t the end of the world.

*For the privacy of our families, names and some details have been changed.

The post Carson’s Story appeared first on A Child's Haven .

Mia’s Story

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 17:29:00 GMT

Mia was 18 months old when her family began treatment at A Child’s Haven (ACH). During the intake, Mia’s mother shared that Mia would throw tantrums and become anxious anytime she left the room or with the slightest change to their routine. Mia’s family primarily spoke Spanish at home, so her vocabulary was slightly delayed, which made it hard for Mia to express her needs at her previous child care center and created more communication challenges. ACH’s Child and Family Therapist told Mia’s mom that we have bilingual staff that are specially trained to help Mia work through her anxiety and overcome language barriers. Mia’s mother was relieved and excited to learn anything she could to help her daughter and her family.

During Mia’s treatment at ACH, she went from having three to four outbursts a day, to around three outbursts per week. Mia was able to accomplish this because our Clinical Treatment Providers are consistent in their therapy methods and they taught Mia self-regulation strategies. These tips helped Mia learn work out her emotions on her own instead of depending on physical comfort every time she got upset.

Techniques that were used in therapy were shared with Mia’s mother during family therapy sessions facilitated by our Child and Family Therapist. Mia’s family also participated in our monthly Group Connections night where they learned extra parenting tools and met other caregivers who were navigating some of the same situations with their children.

After ten months, Mia’s family met their treatment goals and Mia transitioned back to her local day care and is doing well. Mia’s mother still talks about how important it was for her to know other families were going through some of the same struggles that she was and told us she still uses strategies she learned at A Child’s Haven every day.

Help more families like Mia’s by donating today.

For the privacy of our families, some names and details have been changed.

The post Mia’s Story appeared first on A Child's Haven .

Leadership Update

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 20:49:00 GMT

October 17, 2019

RE: Leadership at A Child’s Haven

A Message from Zack Devier, Board President, on behalf of A Child’s Haven and its Board of Directors:

To all A Child’s Haven’s esteemed and invaluable benefactors, donors and champions of change, the Board would like to inform you that effective October 14, 2019, Laurie Rovin has resigned as Executive Director. Since 2016, Ms. Rovin has played a critical role in the continued development and success of the organization, and we wish her well.

The Board of Directors has begun a search for Ms. Rovin’s successor. In the interim, and as prescribed by our governance committee’s succession plan, the Board has appointed Tanya Camunas as acting-Executive Director to lead day-to-day operations at A Child’s Haven. Tanya’s role as Senior Director of Program Strategy has prepared her for this role, and she is ready for the challenge. “I am honored to step into the interim director role and lead this dedicated team as we move our mission forward. Providing quality services to children and families in our community will always be our number one focus at A Child’s Haven.”

If you have any questions or concerns during this transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at ExecutiveBoard@achildshaven.org .

Thank you for your continued support and all that you do for the children of A Child’s Haven.

Zack Devier

Founder, Armada Analytics
Board President, A Child’s Haven

The post Leadership Update appeared first on A Child's Haven .

Oliver’s Story*

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 14:27:00 GMT

Oliver began treatment at ACH two weeks later and was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Once his diagnosis was clear, our team at ACH was able to provide the correct therapy for Oliver and help educate his mom about Autism Spectrum Disorder and equip her with tools and techniques to try at home. However, it wasn’t that simple, Oliver was in treatment for a little over a year, and there were still many challenges along the way. He still had his days were he would hit one of his peers or through a tantrum, but, instead of the tantrums happening multiple times a day, they may only happen once a week instead.

Oliver was successfully discharged and was able to transition back to his local elementary school. Not only was Oliver doing much better in handling his emotions, his mother became much more confident in her abilities to be the best mother to her child, and through our program she became a member of our community, for which she and Oliver were always welcomed back.

Donate today, so we can lift more lives like Oliver’s .

*For the privacy of our families, names and some details have been changed.

The post Oliver’s Story* appeared first on A Child's Haven .

Setting Up Your Business

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 14:54:56 GMT

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Mon, 16 Sep 2019 14:49:39 GMT

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