LGBTQ Youth: How we can help; Saying goodbye to this year's mental health externs; Staff Spotlight: Lorena Guido, Victim Advocate; Jamberry "Pretty Nails for a Cause" fundraiser; Fabulous donation from employees at Structura, Inc.
As was the country, we were shocked, horrified and deeply saddened by the shooting in Orlando on June 12th. Even more disturbing was that this act was directed at the LGBTQ community, a community that is already at higher risk for victimization and exploitation than the general population. These risks start early. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS) conducted from 2001‒2009 found that 12% to 28% of LGB students had been threatened or injured with a weapon on school property the prior year. This is more than twice the number reported by heterosexual students. According to the Data Collection Study Final Report on the Street Outreach Program, while 3 to 5 percent of the nation's general population self-identify as LGBT, the percentage of youth experiencing homelessness who are LGBT is between 20 and 40 percent. The same study found that 43 percent reported being forced out of their homes by parents after disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT youth often face bullying, humiliation and intolerance at school and are almost twice as likely to not finish high school or pursue college, compared with the national average.
Part of our mission is to help keep all children safe. In that vein, we want to take a few moments to share resources with you regarding LGBTQ Youth. We hope you find them helpful:
Resources for Families of LGBTQ Youth from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services- These resources are intended to help families support their LGBTQ youth.
LGBT Youth Health from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- Statistics on Violence again LGBTQ youth, effects on health and education, what schools can do, and what parents can do
The Tree House not only helps those who have suffered abuse heal, but we also help train the next wave of healers. Through our externship program we provide practical skills and knowledge to doctoral students in psychology. Every summer a new wave of trauma-trained students joins us while the last wave moves on, and we must say goodbye. This year we asked our outgoing externs about their experience at The Tree House. This is what one had to say:
"I feel so honored to have been a part of the Tree House CAC team this year. My colleagues are hard-working, passionate, innovative, knowledgeable, and determined in their goals to assist children and their families who have suffered some form of trauma or abuse. I have been moved by the commitment of both children and their families as well as others who work alongside the center to improve the lives of these children and to see to it that they have the brightest futures possible. With the support of such a team at the Tree House, I have seen families rally together and transform their relationships with one another, strengthening their child's sense of agency in the world and their self-esteem. The work that is done here is truly remarkable, and I feel blessed and lucky to have been able to be a part of it this year as a mental health extern." - Stephanie Helwig
Staff Spotlight Sixth in a Series
Lorena Guido, BA (SPEMAJ in law)
Victim Advocate
Ms. Guido is an attorney of law and legal science from El Salvador. Between 1992 and 2006, she worked her way up from court clerk to general administrator at the Supreme Court of El Salvador, then moved to the country’s District Court as a substitute judge. In 2008, Ms. Guido came to the United States. For the following five years, she provided a variety of advocacy and assistance services as a volunteer, including assisting low-income clients apply for immigration to the United States and helping sexual assault victims access services and navigate the criminal justice system. Ms. Guido earned her bachelor’s degree equivalency in 2011 and joined The Tree House’s staff in 2013. She provides our clients with broad-spectrum victim advocacy and support.
When asked why she decided to work at The Tree House she replied, "I love to let the children and non-offending family members know about their rights. I show them respect throughout the case so they feel valued. It's very fulfilling to be able to help. Plus, in Hollywood they were no longer accepting applications."
"Pretty Nails for a Cause" Fundraiser Continues...
Tree House supporter Julie France is selling Jamberry nail products and, until June 27th, donating her ENTIRE 30% commission to The Tree House! You can purchase all sorts of nail products here (be sure to select The Tree House as the "party" upon checkout). As extra incentive, Julie has a giveaway running for anyone who makes a purchase before the 27th. If you aren't into nails yourself you can purchase items for the children at The Tree House to use while they are with us. Julie will drop them off at The Tree House for you.
Another Fabulous Donation!
Caitlin Mueller stopped by on June 17th with a huge box of items donated by her co-workers at Structura, Inc. This box must have been bottomless because it took a really long time to unpack it! There were diapers and wipes, snacks, drinks, crafts, journals (even hardbound!), Play-doh...the list goes on and on. As Caitlin left she thanked us for the work we do and said that after a terrible week it was nice to know there are good people out there. Caitlin, you are one of the good ones. So are your co-workers. We send our thanks to all of you for your kindness!
Summer is here and we want to help you keep your children safe.
For summer safety tips click here.
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You can help us provide mental health, medical, victim advocacy and other services to abused and neglected children in Montgomery County. All it takes is a small donation.
eing forced out of their homes by parents after disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT youth often face bullying, humiliation and intolerance at school and are almost twice as likely to not finish high school or pursue college, compared with the national average. 
Ms. Guido is an attorney of law and legal science from El Salvador. Between 1992 and 2006, she worked her way up from court clerk to general administrator at the Supreme Court of El Salvador, then moved to the country’s District Court as a substitute judge. In 2008, Ms. Guido came to the United States. For the following five years, she provided a variety of advocacy and assistance services as a volunteer, including assisting low-income clients apply for immigration to the United States and helping sexual assault victims access services and navigate the criminal justice system. Ms. Guido earned her bachelor’s degree equivalency in 2011 and joined The Tree House’s staff in 2013. She provides our clients with broad-spectrum victim advocacy and support.
