Saturday, November 2, 2024

Strengthening Families with Para Las Familias Support

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Hezekiah, a former Para Las Familias (PLF) parent and current Episcopal Community Services (ECS) board member, attended therapy at PLF with his two children. Although the family graduated from the program about three years ago, they still see the impact on their lives today.

After a difficult divorce and the stresses of the pandemic, Hezekiah’s family faced immense turmoil. “Our family was torn apart by that divorce,” Hezekiah said. “There was this kind of seismic shift that brought about immense heartache and turmoil into everyone’s life.” When presented with this challenge, he was unsure who to turn to or how to ask for help.

Through PLF’s intervention, Hezekiah and his children rebuilt broken bonds and fostered secure attachments that facilitated healing and growth. His daughter, who previously struggled with emotional outbursts and school resistance, now exhibits better emotional regulation and academic success, while his son learned resilience and empathy, and how to overcome anxiety and perfectionism.

Hezekiah spoke about practices that PLF teaches – the importance of viewing disabilities and mental health with inclusivity and understanding. “Instead of trying to get those individuals with those disabilities to conform with our society, we need to be able to be more accommodating with them,” Hezekiah said. “ECS provided those lifetime tools to help my son and help those individuals around him better support him.”

In 2022 Hezekiah became a member of the ECS Board of Directors. When asked to take on the role, he responded, “Whatever you need, I am forever indebted.” He expressed how glad he was to see PLF’s expansion and enjoys the opportunities the board gives him to spread the word about the impact of ECS programs.

“It is okay to ask for help. We are not alone on this journey. There are resources and people to support you and your kids through these difficult times that you are going through,” Hezekiah said. “At Para Las Familias, you are not a number. You are family. I am quite positive of that. That embrace and that desire for all of us to grow is there.”

Para Las Familias offers bilingual early childhood mental health services to underserved children ages 0 – 12. Services include screenings, assessments, therapy, school observation, teacher consultations, and parenting groups.

Hezekiah’s journey is just one of many stories that reflect the profound impact of ECS’ work across its six core programs. From homelessness and mental health services to substance use disorder treatment and early childhood education, ECS touches the lives of more than 10,500 individuals in the San Diego region each year.

Families like Hezekiah’s often face struggles we cannot see, but your compassion can be the strength they need. By getting involved, whether through a monthly gift, volunteering your time, or contributing in other meaningful ways, you are not just offering help – you are offering hope. Your generosity ensures that families like Hezekiah’s receive the care and resources they need to rebuild, heal, and thrive. Visit www.ecscalifornia.org to learn how you can help transform

Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva was born in San Diego but spent her youth with her family in Tijuana and grew up on both sides of the border. She has transferred her unique insight of cross-border culture, trends and philanthropy to her business and community interests. Danitza is the first woman from her family to graduate from college. She has two degrees, one from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Fashion Marketing, and a second from San Diego Christian College in Communications. After starting GB Magazine with Esteban Villanueva in 2007, she has gone on to win awards and recognition from the community for her support of helping raise millions of dollars for non-profit organizations. Currently she resides in East County in San Diego where she and her husband Esteban run DAESVI Publishing, home to GB Magazine, among several other publications.

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