Ariana* loved to study images. Her room at People Serving People was covered in collages she made, as were the offices of our staff and volunteers. She appreciated a great photo, and the story it told.

This tells a lot about Ariana, whose inquisitiveness didn’t end with pictures. Perhaps made more sensitive by the stressful events in her life, Ariana would easily become perturbed by changes in routine and would often run away from a situation that she wasn’t familiar with. At first, Ariana would shut down when someone would start giving group instructions about an upcoming activity, and she would run out of the room or act out.

But after a couple weeks, staff and volunteers were able to work with Ariana at a pace that worked for her, and encourage her inquisitive nature when the time was right. She began to ask for permission to leave to the room, and was able to calm herself enough to listen to staff members when they were explaining a transition was happening in the classroom. She still had quite the bounce in her, which is what made her such a joy. She constantly had a smile on her face and could never get enough attention. The volunteers loved helping her with her art projects and in tutoring.

Ariana's story is a familiar one here. Children go through so much before they end up at People Serving People, and many times, children are using their own coping mechanisms that can sometimes result in anti-social behavior. We concentrate on providing an environment that is welcoming and calming - yet allows children the opportunity to be themselves and enjoy building relationships with their peers and other adults.

Ariana has since left People Serving People to go with her family to their new home. Her collages still adorn our doors and walls, allowing staff, volunteers and other children to appreciate the images she shared with us. Support for Children's Services allows us to have the materials and staff time available to the 200+ children here every day - giving kids like Ariana the chance to discover their greatness. Please support this great cause!

*Name changed for confidentiality purposes.