Manatee Children’s Services Receives $15,000 Grant to Support Spanish-Speaking Families
Manatee Children’s Services has received a $15,000 grant from the Wilson-Wood Foundation to provide therapy and support for Spanish-speaking caregivers of children who have experienced sexual abuse.
The award marks the fourth consecutive year the Wilson-Wood Foundation has provided financial support to Manatee Children’s Services and its work with local children and families.
This year’s funding will support the organization’s Spanish-speaking Non-Offending Caregiver Group Therapy Program. The program provides therapeutic education, emotional support and practical tools to caregivers who are helping children recover from sexual abuse.
Using the Circle of Hope curriculum, the program is designed to reduce language and cultural barriers that may prevent Spanish-speaking families from accessing appropriate mental health services. Caregivers learn strategies for supporting their children while creating safer and more stable environments for recovery.
Grant funding will help cover licensed Spanish-speaking therapists, childcare, meals, educational materials and other costs associated with providing the program.
Manatee Children’s Services expects approximately 15 to 24 families to participate in three eight-week group therapy cycles.
The program focuses on caregivers who were not involved in the abuse but play an important role in a child’s recovery. By providing caregivers with education, emotional support and resources in their preferred language, the organization aims to strengthen families and improve the healing process for children.
The latest grant continues a four-year partnership between the Wilson-Wood Foundation and Manatee Children’s Services, helping the organization expand access to culturally responsive services for families facing the effects of child sexual abuse.
