Mental Health and Trauma Awareness Month both take place in May, and they’re among those monthly observances that mean a lot to Saint Francis Ministries. Our clinicians know well the relationship between trauma and mental health and how it affects those in our care.

In child welfare, we encounter children who have been exposed to traumatic events and caregivers ill-prepared to adequately respond and support the child to minimize traumatization. So, we work a lot with children, teens, and even parents who have experienced trauma of some sort in their lives.

Some of those young people with trauma and behavioral health issues end up at our Salina West residential facility. Salina West is more than just a facility; it’s a sanctuary for children requiring additional support. Our state-of-the-art environment is equipped to provide specialized care, fostering growth and resilience in a setting that feels like home.

Programs like Equine Therapy, Art Therapy, and the Peace Garden highlight the therapeutic benefits inherent in horses, creativity, and nature. That’s why we’re working to create an outdoor play space for kids at Salina West.

The inspiration for the playscape project stems from a deep understanding of the transformative power of nature and play in the healing process. Children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and face multiple co-existing mental health conditions often struggle with feelings of isolation, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. Traditional therapeutic settings, while beneficial, sometimes lack the dynamic and holistic environment that outdoor play can provide.

The idea is to create a safe, engaging, and therapeutic space where youth at Salina West can reconnect with their innate sense of joy, curiosity, and resilience. SFM hopes that the project will create a play space that also serves as a sanctuary for healing, growth, and joy.

Is there room in your summer to support Salina West? Learn how to help at https://saintfrancisministries.org/foundation/.