|
|
|
Dear Friends of Phoenix Center,
 This fall, we are giving thanks for all you have made possible through your support of the Phoenix Center. From January to October 2013, we have served a record 438 children and their parents in all programs. Look for the graph in this newsletter which maps our growth from our founding in 2007 to the present. Through your ongoing support, in September 2013, our Children's Therapist position grew from a part-time to a full-time position allowing more children in need to receive critical services. Read more about Lindsey here. Additionally this fall and winter, the Phoenix Center, in collaboration with the Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center, is offering another two month parenting workshop - Caring for Children who have Experienced Trauma - for 15 parents with coinciding children's therapy groups for the parents' 19 children every Thursday evening, September through November 2013. We have also added an additional Phoenix After School program for middle and high school girls. As we celebrate our growth and positive outcomes, we continue to see an increasing demand for affordable, high-quality mental health services, and with your support, we can help meet this critical need. We are excited to be at the forefront of the work in our area to provide research-based, trauma-informed care for children who have experienced abuse and trauma. As the Phoenix Center continues to expand to meet the growing need, we greatly appreciate your generosity, support and all that you have made possible. "I feel like a new and improved version of me from the time I started. I am more confident in me and more outgoing." - Phoenix Center Child, Age 9 In this Issue:
|
 |
|
|
When 7 year-old Matthew came to the Phoenix Center, he made it clear that he didn't trust his "new counselor lady." He also made it clear that he didn't want to be there. He cursed, threw things, and shouted insults. As a child survivor of significant trauma, Matthew's therapist knew that he was testing her, seeing if she would explode or give up on him like others had done in the past. She remained calm, accepting him as he was in that moment, setting limits as they were needed, and always believing in Matthew's capacity to change and grow.
Matthew was referred to the Phoenix Center by the Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center after experiencing domestic violence and his father's substance abuse. He witnessed his father try to murder his mother and watched as the police took him away in handcuffs. Soon after, Matthew began experiencing suicidal thoughts. He imagined jumping out of windows and watching his head smash into pieces.
At the Phoenix Center Matthew receives therapy services a total of 3 times a week - all free of cost based on his family's income - thanks to supporters like you. During the after school group, Matthew worked with clay, smashing, pounding, and molding it to release his frustrations and create work he feels proud of. In the play therapy room, he began trusting his therapist enough to let her see some of the violence and chaos in his world. After 4 weeks - Matthew's mother noted significant improvement. By the 6th week, Matthew told an inspiring story through our new play therapy puppets and puppet theater.
"Once upon a time, there was a very angry caterpillar, who was frustrated by everything. The caterpillar was grumpy and didn't like anyone and no one liked him. Then, the caterpillar thought about his life and decided it was time for him to change. He curled up into a cocoon where he was able to relax and take a break. After resting, he gathered all his strength and busted out of his cocoon and emerged a beautiful butterfly, ready to fly in the world."
Matthew's story illustrates the growth and healing that is possible after trauma. His progress is evidence of the significant impact of intensive, quality mental health services for children and families. Right now, there are many other deserving kids like Matthew in our community and on our waiting list. Thank you for your generous gift so we can help more children and families in need.
* Please note the name and age of the child have been changed to protect confidentiality.
|
|
|
Demand for Services
Since Camp Phoenix was founded in
2007, the demand for services has steadily increased.
84 Children and parents in 2007
164 Children and parents in 2010
384 Children and parents in 2012
438 Children and parents as of October 2013
- In 4 of the counties we serve, the rate of child abuse is significantly higher than the state average.
- The majority of children and families we serve live at or below the poverty level.
Thank you for making our growth possible.
You have truly made a difference.
|
Who We Serve
Children, ages 3 - 18, who have experienced:
- Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
- Complex trauma
- Clinical depression
- Suicidal ideation & self-harm
- Children served by CASA & CPS
We serve children without health insurance, and children who do not otherwise have access to high-quality mental health care.
Thank you for making our work possible.
|
|
|
Annual Giving Campaign
During this holiday season, we invite you to be a part of our Annual Giving Campaign.
Give a holiday gift that will make a significant difference in the life of a child.
When you honor a loved one with a gift, we will send the honoree a children's art note card - made by one of the children at the Phoenix Center - acknowledging your generous gift with room for your personalized message.
Many budget-friendly giving options are also available, such as a monthly gift of $10 or $20 that can be automatically set up for your convenience - simply click on the donate button below.
Join Phoenix Center in the movement to provide quality mental health care for all children in need:
1) Help us spread awareness about the tremendous need for mental health care for children who have experienced abuse and trauma. Share with your friends, family, and local organizations about how Phoenix Center's innovative and effective model promotes resiliency, health and growth.
2) Consider a one-time, monthly, quarterly, or annually recurring gift or a memorial/dedication gift that fits into your budget. All gifts are tax-deductible and all gifts are greatly appreciated.
By sponsoring our Annual Campaign, you are demonstrating the importance of giving and providing critical care for children in need.
Our long-term goal is to establish our permanent location on 20 or more acres - securing resources for both our Center - with year-round equine therapy - and all camps. To learn more about our long-term plan, please contact us at (830) 637-7848 or info@phoenixcentertexas.org.
Your support is vital and deeply appreciated. Thank you.
|
|
Through the Eyes of Children
"I feel like a new and improved version of me from the time I started.
I am more confident in me and more outgoing. I
also know how to handle things better with my dad now."
- Age 8, Fall 2013
"I was having a hard day and my daughter (age 8)
reminded me what she learned at the Phoenix Center.
First, she said you cannot control others, only how your react to others, and then walked me through using deep breathing and positive self-talk.
She has made such progress here!"
- Parent of a child served by the Phoenix Center, Fall 2013
"Phoenix Center is the bestest place in the entire world."
- Age 7, Fall 2013
"I want to live here."
- Age 6, Fall 2013
"I wish I could come here every day"
- Age 9, Fall 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roaring 20's
Speakeasy Gala
Save the Date
March 29, 2014
Enter a 1920's Speakeasy
with your password through a secret
side door.
Step into a world of music, elegance and glamour...
the Roaring 20's!
New live band -
White Ghost Shivers!
Don't miss our 2014 Gala -
a very fun night & a main
source of funds for the new year!
|
|
Thank You Event Sponsors
Our live music benefit and Phoenix Fun Run both took place in October.
A HUGE THANK YOU to our October fundraiser sponsors:
 
Thank you to all who came out to support the Phoenix Center at our live music fundraiser on October 6th! River City Grille, Blue Bonnet Cafe & Spicewood General Store sponsored this 7th annual live music benefit at River City Grille. A special thank you to Paul and Connie Brady, John and Belinda Kemper and the staff of River City Grille. We are grateful for your generous and continued support.
 Also in October, the Phoenix Center benefited from the proceeds of the Phoenix Fun Run - a part of the Hill Country Marathon's first annual marathon in Marble Falls. The Phoenix Center also benefited from vendor fees associated with the marathon. A huge thank you to all the kids and families who ran in the Phoenix Fun Run and to staff at the Hill Country Marathon. A special thank you to Brad and Nyla Quinn. We greatly appreciate your generous and continued support. 
Thank you also to Sana Vida and Patti McCormick. Sana Vida has graciously allowed the Phoenix Center to display a donation box through the holidays. If you would like to donate art supplies for a Phoenix Center child - a box of markers or crayons, a blank journal, or another fun art supply for a child in need this holiday season, we would greatly appreciate your donation. We are grateful to all of the local businesses and individuals above for their generous and continued support. Thank you.
|
|
Ways You Can Help
$50 Parenting classes
$200 Day camp for one child
$500 Weekend camp for one child
$1,000 10 therapy sessions for one child
Our programs are made possible
by volunteers and private donations.
Your support is vital and deeply appreciated.
|
Options to give include a monthly, quarterly, or
annually recurring gift, and a dedication or
memorial gift.
|
MAIL A DONATION
Phoenix Center
P.O Box 732
Marble Falls, TX 78654
(Click for more info)
| |
GIVE FROM OUR WISHLIST
- 2 Ikea (or other) rocking chairs for parents waiting in our waiting room: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49889695
- Blank sketchbooks and journals for children receiving therapy services
- Essential oils for aromatherapy play-dough
- Art papers: assorted sizes
- Clay: Self-drying, Crayola or Sculpie brand
- Healthy snacks for Phoenix After-School
- Art canvases or canvas boards
- Crayola markers and colored pencils
- Play-dough - volunteer to make
- Pottery wheels for after-school programs
Please contact Sarah for more details about our
wish-list items at 830.613.7230 or email
info@phoenixcentertexas.org.
|
Consider donating your used
car, truck, van, motorcycle,
boat, RV, trailer, airplane or
ATV to the Phoenix Center.
It's a tax-deductible donation, and we'll take care of
everything, including pick up.
for complete details. Call
877-537-5277 to get started!
|
|
|
Current Groups
Phoenix After School
Mondays: Elementary School Children
3:30 - 5:00 pm
Tuesdays: Middle and High School Girls
4:00 - 5:30 pm (Beginning Nov 5, 2013)
Parenting Workshops
Thursdays: 5:30 - 8:15 pm
Caring For Children who have Experienced Trauma
7 week parenting group, with coinciding children's therapy groups and a free of cost dinner for the entire family. Offered in collaboration with HCCAC. The next group begins in February 2014. Sign-up now to reserve your space.
Mondays: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Child Parent Relationship Therapy Group
CPR-T, also called Filial Therapy, is a research-based, 10-week parenting course that teaches parents of 3 - 9 year-old children how to use some of the same skills play therapists use to help children experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral problems. CPR-T will be offered during the lunch hour beginning in January 2014.
|
|
Family Fun & Relaxation
Aromatherapy Play-Dough
Ingredients
1 cup flour
½ cup salt
1 cup water
1 teaspoon cream of tarter
1 ½ tablespoons oil
Food coloring
½ teaspoon essential oil
Instructions
- Mix all dry ingredients together in a pot (flour, salt, cream of tarter)
- Next mix the wet ingredients (water, oil, food coloring) in a measuring cup - a glass one works best so the food coloring won't stain.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture in the pan. Carefully stir until combined.
- You want the mixture to be pretty homogeneous before placing on the heat so mix well. Cook over medium heat for about 30 seconds to a minute. The cooking goes fast so stay close, and be careful not to overcook since it dries out the dough.
- If using, now is the time to add a 1/4-teaspoon of essential oil.
- Mix in the essential oil and continue cooking, stirring constantly, about 30 seconds more.
- The dough will get clumpy and then start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Once it starts pulling together it's done. Hurry and scrape the dough into a ball and remove from the pan.
- Place the cooked dough on a sheet of wax paper and knead a few times until smooth.
- Store the dough in an airtight container so it won't dry out. Storing in the fridge lasts longer
We have found the following essential oils to be beneficial:
Grapefruit Oil - focus and memory
Lavender Oil - calming and relaxing
Eucalyptus Oil - relieving stress and anxiety
|
|
|
Who We Are
Phoenix Center, a 501c(3) non-profit, is committed to meeting the need for high-quality, affordable mental health care for children and families in rural Central Texas.
When children have experienced trauma or abuse, research shows early intervention is critical for long-term well-being and health. Through our services, children in need are able to access exemplary mental health services, and ultimately thrive as individuals and families.
Our Services
Phoenix Counseling: Research-based therapy services for children, ages 3- 18, who have experienced abuse and/or other critical mental health needs.
Phoenix Parenting: Free of cost, research based parenting classes, supporting local children who have experienced abuse or trauma.
Phoenix After School: Therapeutic children's groups incorporating yoga/wellness and expressive art activities, which promote relaxation, coping, and social skills.
Camp Phoenix: Therapeutic camp sessions at Candlelight Ranch, including equine therapy - our own innovative therapeutic camp curriculum.
 Who is a Phoenix Center Child?
Children and teens ages 3 - 18 with an identified mental health need, including survivors of abuse and trauma. The children we serve are often uninsured, under-insured or are otherwise unable to access high-quality mental health services.
Our Collaborating Agencies
Our Staff
Phoenix Center staff include licensed mental health professionals and graduate student counseling and social work Interns from the UT Austin School of Social Work and Texas State University.
Our Board
Members include J. Allan Garrett, Terry Gulden, Harry Born, Lindsay Plante, Patti McCormick, Molly Biglari, Elizabeth Turner, Courtney Bowen & Sarah Garrett.
|
|
Connect with Phoenix Center!
    
Sarah Rosen Garrett, LCSW
Founder, Executive Director
Post Office Box 732
Marble Falls, Texas 78654
830.613.7230
830.637.7848
Our mission is to provide high-quality mental health services to children and families in need in rural Central Texas.
|
|
|
