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12/10/13 11:16 AM

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Hope Connection: Changing the world for children

By Jenna Simard, CSE spring communications intern The TCU Institute of Child Development is an internationally recognized organization dedicated to learning to change the worldfor children. Since 2005, the Institute has served as a pioneer in child development research, with the goal of helping children suffering from the effects of early trauma, abuse and neglect. The Institute has positioned itself as a world-class foundation, and the top organization for child development in the state. It continues to gain recognition for its work educating students, developing research and participating in outreach dedicated to the needs of families with at-risk children. Hope Connection is an intervention program that Karyn Purvis, professor of psychology and director of the institute, and David Cross, professor and associate director, established for adopted children and their families. When parents asked Purvis and Cross for help with their adopted children, the two developed the idea to host a summer day camp. Little did they foresee at the time the incredible journey upon which they were about to embark. Today, Hope Connection remains the centerpiece of the Institutes work. Each summer, the Institute hosts either a three-week program or oneweek overnight program to assist Hope Connection adoptive families. Over the course of the camp, adopted children and their parents learn to build a foundation of trust and sense of connection in a safe, enjoyable environment. Hope Connection director Amanda Howard said oftentimes adopted children are not able to develop communication and emotional skills in the same way that others do. Many of these children struggle with aggressive behavior due to their unstable upbringing, and for some the camp is the first time they have friends. As babies, when they cried, no one came, Howard said. At Hope Connection, we help give children back their voice. The ultimate goal is to help these children become successful. Hope Connection also provides a life-changing experience for undergraduates. Each summer, approximately 20 students who have completed the required courses have the opportunity to serve as mentors to the young campers. Though challenging at times, the experience is an extremely rewarding one for many students. My time at the Hope Connection camp was amazing to say the least, said child development major Claire Curtis 14. I got the opportunity to hang out with several families over the week, and to watch the children grow was inspiring. It can be heartbreaking being around children who have experienced trauma, as this can cause changes in that child's brain and body chemistry. They can feel out of control
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CSE Fall 2013 Newsletter

TCU College of Science & Engineering

12/10/13 11:16 AM

trauma, as this can cause changes in that child's brain and body chemistry. They can feel out of control with their bodies, feel unsafe or unloved, or are unable to express how they are feeling or what they need, but every day at this camp you truly saw hope with the families as they learn and grow. Howard said the opportunity allows students like Curtis to gain valuable, hands-on experience working with children. She said one of the most rewarding parts of undergraduates becoming involved is being with them when they have that Aha! moment. My favorite part about the camp as a counselor was seeing the parents and children truly connect as a family through the parents learning a new parenting style and the children beginning to understand the things they never have before, Curtis said. By the end of the week, the parents were hopeful for their children, and you could see that there was hope for the child to be able to grow and learn how to adapt to their daily life. Hope Connection serves as an opportunity for families to experience healing and growth, for students to learn and find purpose in their studies, and ultimately for the Institute to transform research into action and change lives. Its one of the few times a year we have to be with families, said Howard. Its a refresher for us. It reminds us why were here. Hope Connection and the Institute of Child Development live the mission of TCU. As Hope Connection continues to impact hundreds of lives, families from all over the world seek to become involved. This year, more than 175 families applied for five spots.

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http://www.cse.tcu.edu/newsletter/2013-fall-HopeConnection.asp

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