Stand by Alyssa

I’ve created this Go Fund me for a dear friend who could use some help for much needed mental healthcare for their cherished daughter. It is not a secret that there are barely any resources, especially in our state, for pediatric mental and behavioral health and virtually nothing that truly fosters healing and change and isn’t just a revolving door. Many of us know what living paycheck to paycheck is like and sudden and unexpected costs like this can be paralyzing. They would never ask for this themselves, however This family never hesitates to pour into the community so I’m hoping we can band together and come along side them during this difficult time. This young woman is beautiful inside and out, a talented artist, avid reader, treasured friend, and so much more. Please consider praying for her and if able please donate to get her the best treatment available. Please read her parents testimony below…

Dear friends and family,

I am reaching out with a deeply vulnerable request for support on behalf of our incredible daughter, Alyssa. Alyssa is a 14-year-old young woman who is nothing short of amazing. She is smart, compassionate, beautiful, and motivated, yet she faces challenges that no child should have to endure. Alyssa has experienced early childhood trauma and was adopted through the foster care system. As a result, she has struggled with attachment issues that have made it difficult for her to feel safe and secure in the world around her.

Recently, Alyssa spent the last three weeks in a locked psychiatric unit, but the reality is that this facility is not appropriate for her needs. It is a place designed for children in acute crisis, but Alyssa’s struggles are more deeply rooted in the trauma of her early years. She is no longer safe at home and, with a heavy heart, we’ve come to realize that she needs professional, long-term support to truly heal.

That’s why we’re asking for your help in sending Alyssa to Carpenters Place, a year-long residential home in Wichita, Kansas. This facility is low-risk, with no restraints or seclusion, and focuses on Trauma-Informed Care through a therapeutic model called Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). TBRI therapy is a compassionate, evidence-based approach designed to help children who have experienced trauma build healthy, trusting relationships and regulate their emotions. It’s exactly the kind of care Alyssa needs to heal and move forward. She is highly motivated for this program and has a strong desire to enroll and hope for the future.

At Carpenters Place, Alyssa will be living in a safe, supportive home with “house parents” and other young women who are also working through their own challenges. This is not just a place for Alyssa to live—it’s a place for her to grow, to be nurtured, and to gain the skills and resources she needs to succeed. Allen and I will be fully involved in her care, with bimonthly family meetings and a requirement to attend these meetings in person, at least four times a year.

The cost of this program is $1,800 per month. Unfortunately, this is not covered by insurance, and there are minimal resources available to help families like ours who are caring for children with attachment disorders. The $1,800 per month does not include any travel expenses, which we will also need help with.

I know that times are tough for many, and if you are unable to contribute financially, simply sharing this post with others can make a big difference. Alyssa NEEDS this support to become healthy, happy, and WHOLE. We are asking for your compassion, your prayers, and if possible, your generosity as we embark on this journey of healing for our daughter.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support you can offer. It means the world to us and to Alyssa.