Blessings At The Courtyard

During our educational time at the program a few weeks ago, one of our students was being assisted by a volunteer........ 

​After finishing with the other students, I sat down with the child, giving her space to calm down. We spoke briefly, and while she still seemed upset, I reassured her and let her know she could take her time. Once homework time was over and we transitioned to recreational activities, she asked to go home. I gently encouraged her to stay and suggested we hang out together until the program ended. She agreed, gradually warming up and eventually joining the other kids outside to play. By the end of the day, she seemed to be feeling better. When I walked her home, I asked to speak with her parents to inform them about what had happened. Her mother opened up to me, sharing a deeply personal story about her daughter’s past. Before joining our program, the girl had been nonverbal for six months. She had been extremely close to her grandmother, who had just recently passed away. This loss left her questioning her faith and shutting down emotionally. Her family, devoted believers, tried everything they could to help her. They sought therapy, prayed over her at church, and even communicated with her through text messages and a whiteboard when verbal communication wasn’t possible. Nothing seemed to help. Eventually, her parents decided to switch her school in hopes of finding a supportive environment. Around the same time, they moved into the Courtyard Apartments and learned about our after-school program. Her mom hesitated but ultimately asked all the children if they wanted to join. To her surprise, her daughter, despite not speaking, agreed to attend. The first time the student came to the program, I had no idea about her history. When I asked for her and her siblings’ names, they all responded verbally—including her. Over time, we built a connection as she frequently chose to hang out with me during program activities. To her parents’ astonishment, she returned home speaking for the first time in six months. Her mom shared how overjoyed they were to see her begin to communicate again. Reflecting on the incident during homework time, her mother and I wondered if something might have triggered a memory or emotion that caused her to shut down temporarily. Regardless, her mom expressed immense gratitude. She said, “You’ve done something people with PhDs couldn’t do. You brought peace to our lives and helped my daughter speak again.” Her words were humbling. I reassured her that it wasn’t me but God working through our program and our community. This moment reminded me of why we do what we do. As members of Care Fresno, we strive to reflect Jesus in our actions, creating environments where children feel loved, supported, and valued. Whether through homework help, playtime, or simply being present, we are called to serve as His hands and feet. I am incredibly blessed to have been part of this family’s story. It’s a testament to the power of love, faith, and the importance of providing a space where healing can begin. This experience has deepened my commitment to our mission and reminded me that even small acts of kindness can lead to profound transformation. Together, we can continue to bring hope and light to our communities. 
Site Lead-Richie