Anna

Anna, a quiet 9-year-old who rarely smiled, was referred to CAH by the State Dept. of Human Services Child Welfare Services Division. Anna had been sexually abused by her stepfather from age 4 to age 8. After each episode of abuse, Anna’s stepfather would remind her that she and her immigrant mother would be deported if she ever told anyone. However, Anna’s mother knew something was wrong, even before Anna finally told her what was happening.

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The sexual abuse was reported and Anna’s stepfather was incarcerated and later deported. Anna felt shame and guilt, and isolated herself in school. She was ‘bullied’ in school about her weight and crooked teeth, which added to her depression.

Anna joined CAH’s HEART and Ho‘omaka programs. On her first day, she quietly entered the room and barely spoke a word. She sat down at the table and had difficulty looking up. When spoken to, she would look up quickly, answer and put her head down again.

She was badly in need of orthodontic services to correct her teeth. CAH, through its Enhancements program, secured funding to partially pay for orthodontic services and found a generous orthodontist who provided braces for Anna at a very discounted rate.

Two years later, Anna has grown into a mature, confident and caring young girl. She is now very outgoing, leads others when they need help and understands her role in the world. She auditioned for her school’s talent show by singing a solo. She took it upon herself to help a new girl in CAH’s HEART program complete an activity. One component of CAH’s HEART program is therapeutic horseback riding. Anna had never been on a horse before, and at first, she refused to even try, for fear that she was too heavy and would break the horse. After three sessions and the continued encouragement of the other children, she finally got on the horse and was soon smiling as she rode confidently around the corral. She loves horseback riding now and proudly shows her mother what she has accomplished.

Today, Anna smiles and laughs often, and has made many friends at school. Her future goal is to one day help others who are like her.