Dear Friends, 

In the spirit of this holiday season, I'd like to share a heart-warming story with you about one of the inspiring kids we serve at the Phoenix Center.  

 

Katie was 10 years old when she was referred by CASA to our therapeutic camp program, Camp Phoenix. Over the next three years, she returned to camp three more summers and began taking advantage of all of our therapy services - individual and group therapy. Katie worked hard during the school years to process her history of abuse and trauma since early childhood. When the court system appointed Katie to another therapist, she asked to come to the Phoenix Center because she feels safe and comfortable here.  

 

Our long term relationship, over the past three years, and the trust that has been developed is critical for a child who has survived broken trust and unimaginable abuse and trauma.  However, Katie is not defined by her past.  Her dream is to become a lawyer who helps kids in the CPS system.  She wants to transform her experience of being a victim to becoming a survivor and child advocate who helps kids who are struggling as she has struggled. I know she can reach this dream, too. She is an extraordinarily resilient, intelligent, articulate and inspiring teen.  She inspires me.    

 

It only takes one caring, committed adult to change the course of a child's life trajectory, and the Phoenix Center and Camp Phoenix is full of such wonderful people.  Our plan is to mentor Katie all the way through high school.  We want to help and support her as she works to heal and empower herself, eventually graduating from high school and working toward her dreams.

 

Since I began this work twelve years ago, I have met many children with extraordinary talents and resiliency, and Katie is a shining star.  She began her journey of healing with us when she was only 10 years old, unsure that life could be anything but pain.  Three years later, when she shares her future plans, I can hear that she believes in the power of her dreams too.

 

Wishing you and your family the holiday magic of believing,

 

Sarah Rosen Garrett, LMSW

Phoenix Center / Camp Phoenix
The Rose That Grew from Concrete
A Poem by Tupac Shakur
 
Did you hear about the rose that grew
from a crack in the concrete?
Proving nature's laws wrong
it learned to walk without having feet.
Funny it seems, but by keeping it's dreams,
it learned to breathe fresh air.
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
when no one else ever cared.
Who We Are         

Phoenix Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to meeting the need for high quality mental health care in rural Central Texas.    

 

We provide free of cost:

  • Phoenix Counseling Services: psychotherapy and counseling for families and parent/guardians and play therapy for children 
  • Phoenix After School: therapeutic after-school programs offering yoga and art therapy groups 
  • Camp Phoenix: therapeutic camp sessions at Candlelight Ranch, including equine therapy, adventure/wilderness therapy, art therapy, and yoga/wellness programs

Who is a Phoenix Center Child?

Children and teens ages 4 - 18 with identified mental health needs.  Children we serve are often uninsured, underinsured or are otherwise unable to access high quality mental health services.  

 

Our Collaborating agencies include:  CASA for the Highland Lakes Area, Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center, Highland Lakes Family Crisis Center and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Highland Lakes.  In addition, youth are referred to our programs by public school counselors and families.

 

Our Staff include licensed mental health professionals, graduate student counseling and social work Interns from the UT Austin School of Social Work and Texas State University, and registered yoga teachers.  

Like us on FacebookLike us on Facebook

 

Donate online: www.phoenixcentertexas.org