Meet Jason, a former client at our Compton Clinic. He’s the second of four clients that we are honored to feature during May Mental Health Month. Jason has already experienced heartbreaking tragedy and challenges in his young life. But no matter how many times he’s been knocked down, he gets right back up – proving that there is no age requirement to being a superhero.
Jason’s easy smile melts your heart. There’s a twinkle in his eye when he talks about Ninja Turtles, drawing, or recess at school. He has a sweet relationship with his mom, and loves his four siblings. He’s especially close to his younger sister, Tayler, who looks out for him.
Jason was born with Congenital Talipes Equinovarus, or clubfoot. The doctors said that he wouldn’t be able to walk until he was at least 6 or 7. Jason was walking in his casts at the age of 3. He is strong and resilient.
Although his physical condition is a tremendous hurdle that he works through daily, that’s not why he came to The Guidance Center.
Jason, along with his mom and siblings, experienced countless acts of unspeakable violence for years. In 2012, his brave mom brought him and his siblings to The Guidance Center’s Compton clinic for help.
Through mental health treatment, Jason was able to find his voice. Realizing he was in a safe place with trusted adults, he began to open up about previously unknown traumas and start his journey toward healing with the support of his therapist and loving, dedicated mom.
Now, Jason, along with his mom and siblings, is thriving. He’s doing well in school and pursuing his talent for drawing. Not too long ago, he entered one of his drawings into a statewide art competition. His piece won the 1st place blue ribbon for the Southern California region. The entire family celebrated, and mom says it was one of the best days they’ve ever had together.
As a result of their valiant and arduous efforts as a family to heal, they have grown stronger, happier and closer, making those life celebrations that much sweeter. They’ve come so far together.
Even on hard days, where the pain in his legs is just too much or he experiences the struggles that all kids his age do, Jason knows he can ask for help – a strength his mom credits to his treatment.
