Groups offer a helping hand: When holidays aren't the most wonderful time

Groups offer a helping hand: When holidays aren't the most wonderful time: "To help kids deal with the myriad of emotions that accompany abuse, be it financial, emotional, verbal, or physical, the YWCA’s Domestic Abuse Services program offers private and group counseling sessions, as well as special seasonal outings with trained volunteers from local high schools.

Throughout December, for example, teen volunteers have been taking groups of kids on ice-skating trips to rinks in surrounding towns.

“It’s easier for the child, especially in an outside activity, to go to a different town,” Ms. Adam said. “You don’t want to really draw attention to the fact the kids are with volunteers or are victims of domestic abuse.”

The YWCA has also offered sessions where kids and volunteers make gingerbread houses — something that helps children experience the joy of the holidays and open up to people they can trust.

“Two things happen: They’re able to be children and they’re able to team up with a positive role model,” Ms. Adams said.

She said this type of “play therapy” is a big part of the YWCA’s approach, since children are sometimes more comfortable talking about their feelings when they’re wearing a mask or playing with dolls.
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