Early Release of Wisdom Grant Money Goes to Summer Camp for Trauma-Affected Youth

For the first time in the history of the Daughters of Wisdom's Mission Grants, a grant was awarded early to support a program that would have been over before grant money is typically awarded in the Spring through Fall timeline. $10,000 was released in time for the Summer Vibes Youth Program for their Therapeutic Summer Camp for trauma-affected youth.

When the grant proposal from ECLI-VIBES came in, Sisters and committee members moved the process along quicker because a window of opportunity to support what they considered a unique summer camp program would not happen if they didn't.

Sr. Evelyn Lamoureux, DW, endorsed the program and said, "I was impressed with the connection to the Central Islip, NY, Courts and an attempt to creatively focus on the next generation of young people to keep them out of the penal system." The next generation is those children ages 5-15 who have been the victims of childhood trauma. Children who suffer unresolved trauma are more likely to wind up in the penal system during their lifetime. This program seeks to empower participants through counseling, activities, and opportunities to help develop coping skills, self-esteem, and creative expression in a safe, predictable, and supportive environment. These children have witnessed domestic violence in the home and have been the victims of child abuse, sexual assault, trafficking, and psychological abuse. Often caught in a trap of misguided guilt, these young people do not have the independent skills to rise above what their short lives have offered them as ordinary experiences. Many of them have had few typical life experiences, and that's where the summer camp comes in­­- it provides a calm environment that offers a variety of activities geared explicitly to the trauma victim through trauma-informed care.

The program has garnered the support of Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Fernando Camacho, who is known for having a heart for young people. The summer camp is modeled after Justice Camacho's ConcepTS Court, which is an expansion of an incarceration diversion program and stands for "collaboration, oversight, nurturing, community engagement, participation and treatment services." Such are mutual elements of the summer camp program, which also collaborates with community partners to deliver comprehensive services focusing on disadvantaged and underserved populations.

On the day that Sisters Evelyn Lamoureux and Mona Guerette visited the camp, staff and youth were engaged in a number of activities that began with a nutritious start to the day, followed by crafts, art, discussion, and a visit from a therapy animal, Pickles the Pig. The camp runs from 10 am to 2 pm Mondays through Fridays with special weekly field trips to local Long Island destinations. The plans include a wellness day at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in Islandia, a tour of the Heckscher Art Museum, and a show at Studio Theater in Lindenhurst.

Diana, a lead staff member of the Summer Vibes program shared: "Through meaningful art projects, interactions with gifted members of our society, and the exploration of many therapeutic options, we worked to empower our participants and help them work through their emotions as well as learn more about themselves and their strengths. ... the kids have said that they loved coming here and meeting each other. That it was nice to have a place to be silly and do and learn a bunch of random things and crafts. The feedback from the parents, though, has been so positive. One of the parents mentioned that their child has been much more respectful towards her and the kids he plays with at home and that he has been more vocal about certain things, both positive and negative, but he has been able to be more thorough with how certain things make him feel (like when someone is being mean to him or themselves).

To me, though it may be a small difference in some of the kids, even a baby step is a step in the right direction. I feel like there has been such an improvement with communication and being more open to harder conversations, like what is happening in Ukraine or what has happened to them in the past. ...several of the kids on multiple occasions have said that they hope to be able to come back next year."

Another staff member, Heather, added, "I think this program has really been wonderful - it has given some of our youngest and most vulnerable clients a safe and supportive place to go this summer. I love hearing the laughter throughout the building, in part because I love that our building is seen as a welcoming space where our clients feel comfortable and supported. We really cannot thank you enough for your support!"

Group photo: (L-R) Jennifer Hernandez, ECLI-VIBES Exec. Director, Sr. Evelyn Lamoureux, Sr. Mona Guerette, Feride Castillo, ECLI-VIBES Director of Programs, and Danielle Gorman, ECLI-VIBES Office Manager.