Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center is experiencing remarkable success with its One Circle support groups held at Cambridge Jr. High, Wethersfield Jr. High, and Kewanee High School this past academic year, according to a news release.
“The groups have made a significant positive impact on more than 50 participants’ lives, providing essential support and fostering a sense of community,” the agency stated in the release.
The One Circle support groups, moving forward, will be renamed Open Arms. According to Braveheart CAC, the agency conducted recent check-ins and well-being surveys and participants have reported increased self confidence, better emotional well-being and improved academic performance.
One participant shared that, “joining the group has been a transformative experience.” The participant acknowledged that they “felt more confident and supported,” and their “grades have even improved.”
The group facilitators at Braveheart said they are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all participants feel respected and heard and positive feedback from group participants have included that their pronouns are respected by the facilitators, which group facilitators said contributes to a welcoming and affirming atmosphere.
In addition to the emotional and academic benefits, Braveheart CAC said the groups provide a space for participants to build meaningful connections with their peers. Many students have expressed appreciation for the support and camaraderie found within the group.
“Hosting these support groups allows us to create a community where young people feel seen, heard, and valued,” said Taylor Hager, group facilitator at Braveheart CAC. “We aim to empower our participants by providing them with the tools and support they need to navigate their personal challenges and build stronger, more resilient futures.”
Braveheart CAC is now accepting signup applications for their summer groups. The group members/topics will be catered to those that sign up, but the goal is to have a LGBTQ+ circle and a youth circle. The facilitators are trained and certified to present and teach the research-based curriculum from the One Circle Foundation.
Braveheart has decided to call the groups “Open Arms” because each participant is welcomed with open arms.
“Our mission at Braveheart is to foster a safe and nurturing environment for all youth,” explained Felisha Rogers, community outreach coordinator at Braveheart CAC. “By offering specialized groups like the LGBTQ+ support group and the general support group, we ensure that every young person has access to the guidance and community they need to thrive, regardless of their background or identity.”
For more information about Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center and the Open Arms support groups, contact Rogers at felisha@braveheartcac.org or sign up at Open Arms Signup Application (office.com).
