Joseph is Healing, Thanks to You

There is a light at the end of the tunnel for Joseph, because of you.

You may remember reading the story of Joseph, a little boy receiving services at the NCAC – his story was shared with you last December and many of you reached out asking for an update, wondering how Joseph was doing, wanting to help.

From December…….Joseph is a big name for a little boy. 

Joseph’s parents were gone from home a lot, but he wasn’t left alone – he had a babysitter.

 Joseph’s eyes welled up with tears every time his uncle came over to babysit. He tried

to hide when he realized his parents were going out again. Joseph’s uncle was the source of his fear, the source of the harm he suffered.

 Joseph’s uncle was sexually abusing him and threatening him with physical harm if he told anyone. His uncle convinced Joseph that the abuse was all his fault and that his parents would be disgusted if he told them, that they would not want him anymore if they knew how “bad” he was. Joseph felt unloved, he was so confused, he lived in constant fear of his uncle, and for such a little boy, he felt incredibly desperate.

 His desperation, his hurt and pain, led to the night when Joseph just walked out the door and started down the street going nowhere.

It was 11:30 on a Tuesday night and a 5-year-old walking alone on Drake Avenue wasn’t what Officer Davis expected to see. Joseph tried to run and hide behind a shed, but the police officer was kind and patient with the young child. Finally, Joseph collapsed in tears and exhaustion and shared a little about why he ran away from home. Within hours, Joseph arrived at the National Children’s Advocacy Center, wrapped in a blanket and clutching his stuffed doggie.

Today, Joseph is healing.

Joseph has good days and some tough days, and lately, the scale is tipping towards more good days than bad. He still comes to NCAC each week for therapy, and his journey is ongoing. The trial of his uncle is still ahead and quite honestly causes Joseph a lot of anxiety. The thought of seeing his uncle again is scary for 5-year-old Joseph, but he and his therapist are working on relaxation skills and helping him remember he is safe. The strength and fortitude he will need to navigate this trial will come from ongoing therapy and the adults supporting him on his journey.

And this is where you come into the picture – will you be one of those adults who supports Joseph on his journey? Will you consider a gift of $150 – the equivalent to one hour of therapy – to fund therapy for Joseph and children like him in our community?

Your gift of therapy provides hope, every day. You are the hero in Joseph’s story.

Learn more about The Protectors’ Circle.