CAC's Calm Down Room
Thanks to a bonus grant from Village Treasure House, CAC was able to make a staff dream a reality. Last spring the Forensic and Advocacy Services Team began discussing how to create a calming space for children who had just completed their forensic interview. Sometimes after talking about traumatic experiences, children need a quiet space to regroup and regulate their emotions. Family Advocate Grace Ording got creative, repurposing existing furniture and therapy supplies to create a Calm Down Room in an unused office at our Skokie location. Meanwhile the Development Team applied for a grant from Village Treasure House to make over the room.
When CAC received notice that they got the grant, the FAS team was able to design the room of their dreams! In January, after months of planning and preparation, staff gathered to put the room together and were amazed with the result. Bilingual Trauma Therapist Valerie Cifuentes brought a client into the room that first night and shared this feedback:
"Thank you to everyone that designed the calm down room and that put it together. It's honestly so beautiful. I had the opportunity to use it yesterday with a client, and he absolutely loved it. He said it was 'very peaceful and calm' and rated it a '10/10!' ...and he left with a smile on his face. Thank you so much for making this room possible."
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