Day Treatment Helps Families
Finding Hope at Catholic Charities
Emily is a dedicated mother and a fierce advocate for her three sons. She is a survivor of domestic violence who has worked tirelessly to build a bright future for her children. But during the last few years, Emily faced a crisis — her son Lucas began struggling with severe behavioral and emotional challenges. Lucas had experienced emotional difficulties before, but things worsened in 4th grade when he learned that his elementary school was closing. Leaving friends behind and transitioning to a new environment triggered an emotional spiral.
As Lucas’s behavior worsened, Emily had to resort to calling the police on her son. When these calls became more frequent, Emily knew he needed more help than traditional schools and outpatient therapy could provide. That’s when they found Catholic Charities Children’s Day Treatment, a program in Minneapolis that offers mental health services and academics on-site.
Support to Build New Skills
Emily and Lucas were referred to Catholic Charities Children’s Day Treatment Program through their psychiatrist. From the moment Emily walked in, she felt a sense of relief. “The first time we came here, I remember sitting in the office and seeing Catholic Charities’ values on the wall,” she recalled. “I read them and thought, ‘Okay, this is the place for us.’”
Over the course of a school year, Day Treatment provided Lucas with structure, specialized support, and a team that truly understood his needs. “They really focused on his strengths, not just the challenges,” Emily said. “He started to see himself as capable, and that changed everything.”
Over time, Lucas developed the skills needed to transition back into general education. But Emily worried that his new school would have concerns about him. Catholic Charities staff stood by them every step of the way. “The school was concerned about how he would transition back, but Catholic Charities reassured them that he was ready . . . and they were right, he was.”
“I truly believe this place saved his life . . . we were at a breaking point, and Catholic Charities gave us the support we needed to turn things around.”
A Special Graduation
Lucas’s graduation from Day Treatment was an emotional moment for everyone involved. “The staff cried; the kids cried . . . it wasn’t just another day, it was a huge milestone,” Emily shared.
Today, Lucas is thriving. He’s still in a specialized classroom but is gradually integrating into general education at his own pace. He still reminisces about his time at Catholic Charities and the support he received. “He misses this place so much,” Emily said. “He still talks about the teachers and the staff, even now that he’s in middle school.”
For Emily and her family, Catholic Charities Children’s Day Treatment was more than just a program, it was a lifeline. “I truly believe this place saved his life,” she said. “We were at a breaking point, and Catholic Charities gave us the support we needed to turn things around.”
