Nature has amazing healing qualities—just ask Jenny Wise, Art Therapist at Hephzibah Home. Nature therapy is a regular part of the treatment we provide for children living at Hephzibah Home, where abused and neglected children ages 3-11 come to heal. Research shows that when a child engages in nature-based activities it helps those who have suffered from trauma become more resilient and recover sooner. Research also shows that nature therapy may in fact offer more comfort than some traditional therapies and allows children to connect to something other than their trauma.
During the planting season at the Hephzibah Home Garden, one child unearthed their first cicada of the season. She immediately named the cicada Caramel, noting its pale coloring and similarity to the sweet treat. This led to an impromptu lesson in entomology by Jenny, who adapts lessons based on what they find in nature. The girl decided to take Caramel on a walk to show the cicada the world through her own eyes, reflecting on the beauty of nature all around her and introducing the cicada to staff and fellow children before carefully returning Caramel to the garden.
Nature therapy teaches children that just as in nature, transformation and change in their lives are possible. We are grateful for our supporters, community partners and our dedicated staff members who always find new ways to help children heal.
Hephzibah Children’s Association
Founded in 1897, Hephzibah Children’s Association is Oak Park’s oldest social service agency. Serving children and families for over 125 years, Hephzibah’s mission of helping children thrive and families flourish is muti-faceted. We offer a residential treatment program for severely abused, neglected, and traumatized children and those in need of behavioral intervention ages 3-11. In addition, Hephzibah offers foster care services, comprehensive services for children and families in crisis, positive parenting services and an abuse & neglect prevention program. Hephzibah also provides affordable after-school care and summer camp for Oak Park families of all income levels.
To make a donation, visit www.hephzibahhome.org/donate-now