Stanford Home for Children (now Stanford Youth Solutions) was presented with a $4,000 grant from the Union Pacific Foundation today.  The grant will provide additional funding for Stanford Home’s highly successful art therapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy program.  

“We are honored to have been selected to receive this grant,” said Kären Woodruff, Associate Executive Director. “The benefits from this grant will help young people heal from past trauma, improve their daily functioning, strengthen relationships, decrease and manage stress, and reduce severe behaviors including violence, self-harm and suicide.”

Stanford Home uses proven techniques including art, play therapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, along with case management services, which reduces children’s contact with mental health crisis centers, emergency departments and hospitals by 95 percent.

“Expressive art therapy is a non-threatening way for children to learn about, express and release difficult emotions that they may not be able to verbalize,” said Woodruff.  “Because young people do not have the same capacities as adults to express and release feelings verbally, art therapy presents more intuitive ways to express themselves.”

All of the young people served have a serious risk or history of being hospitalized for severe mental health issues. Many have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect, and most are living below the poverty level.

Stanford Home for Children – a local nonprofit organization founded in 1900 to serve young people and families in need – will change its name to Stanford Youth Solutions, effective March 26. The new name better reflects their mission and evolution over time to meet the changing needs of young people and their families. After March 26th, the organization will boast a new web address – www.youthsolutions.org.