The Charbonneau Villager Newspaper 2019_ Dec issue Villager newspaper | Page 16

16 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER December 2019 Boys and Girls Aid By ZOE NIKLAS Individualized support, care is important during holidays It was the screaming that woke me that New Year’s Eve. When I looked, I saw my mama cov- NIKLAS ered in blood and running from my daddy. He continued to abuse her until the police came. Then he fought with them. That memory haunted my childhood, teenage years and into my adult life. The holidays always found me anxious, physically ill and completely at a loss as to why I was always sick on New Years. During my research, I found that the devoted folks in the foster system call this manifestation, “Traumaversary.” That time of year that causes children to suffer the same physical symptoms they experienced in the original trauma. It is a dreadful re- occurrence, that requires loving pa- rental focus and de-escalation of a child’s panic. It took me years to find out how to reset my triggers. This is something that Boys and COURTESY PHOTO Margie Wiesenthal, Diann Harland and Maureen Larsen present a check of funds raised at the Portland Headquarters. Girls Aid and the Cypress Branch attempt to heal in our fragile foster children. The consistent attention and support received by our chil- dren through Boys and Girls Aid, strives to reset those terrible trig- gers that plague the abused soul. The specific programs devised by • Panel Changes • Hot tubs • Remodels • Generators • Lighting Additions 503-780-6207 “Single Source Electrical Solutions” 17937 SW McEwan RD Ste 200A Tualatin, OR E-mail: offi [email protected] www.pro-tech-power.com Merged with Lighthouse Electric and continuing with their same great service. 503-582-9600 Boys and Girls Aid reach out to support babies to young adults, in order to heal their trauma. During the holidays, support and individ- ualized care is even more impor- tant. Even good emotional excite- ment, can trigger an event in a child and that’s where the Cy- press volunteers really shine. This group provides event volun- teers, ample funds and gifts tar- geted to the individual needs of the children. Parties, homemade cookies, warm coats, athletic clothes and basketballs, warm blankets and backpacks are just a few of the gifts. Each child’s needs are met specifically, and the chil- dren respond to the individual at- tention and support. This is a group of adults that want the best for our children and they pass their blessings forward. This is a devoted group that de- serve community support even be- yond the confines of Charbonneau. This is why I support Boys and Girls Aid. A program that supports and nurtures our children, deserves our support. It has mine. The Cy- press Volunteer Auxiliary is open to members throughout the north Willamette Valley. Boys and Girls Aid is celebrating its 135th year in Oregon, next year. There will be celebrations next Oc- tober and the Cypress Volunteer Auxiliary’s will be celebrating its 30th birthday. To find out more about our programs, come to our next luncheon at SpringRidge on Dec. 13. The Christmas luncheon begins at 10:30 a.m. and the cost is $15 at the door. If you are not a member, but would like to attend the luncheon, please call Cherie Sanville at 503-694-5826. For more information about Boys and Girls Aid, please visit our website, www.boysandgirlsaid.org. To see what is happening at the Cypress Branch, please visit: www.cypressonline.org.