Programs

Healing through connection, creativity, and care.

Every child deserves a safe place to be seen, heard, and supported. Our trauma-informed programs are designed to help youth heal, build confidence, and learn lifelong coping skills.

How Our Program Works

Light Beyond Shadows offers age-based, trauma-informed group sessions that help children and teens explore emotions, express themselves, and learn how to manage life's challenges in healthy ways.

Each group is guided by trained, background-checked facilitators in a safe, supportive environment.

We are not therapists. We are mentors, artists, and survivors who believe in the power of community and creative healing.

Ages 5-8 Safety & Feelings

For our youngest participants, the focus is on safety, trust, and emotional expression. Kids learn how to name their feelings, understand that what happened to them is not their fault, and begin to build healthy coping tools.

Activities include:

Story-based lessons about emotions
Simple art and movement exercises
Calm-down tools like breathing, music, or sensory activites

Goals:

Learn "I am safe" and "My feelings matter."
Build trust with caring adults.
Begin identifying and expressing emotions in healthy ways.

Ages 13-17 Identity & Future

Teen years can be overwhelming, especially for youth carrying trauma. This program helps teens process emotions, rebuild trust, and see that their story doesn't define their future, We talk openly about choices, relationships, mental health, and substance abuse prevention.

Activities include:

Art, journaling, music, and guided conversation
Peer-led discussions on trust, anger, and identity
Real-life skill building: decision-making, self-advocacy, self-care, and mentorship

Goals:

"I am not what happened to me."
Build self-respect and leadership.
Practice coping tools for anxiety, anger, and stress.
Learn the connection between trauma, choices, and substance abuse prevention.

Ages 9-12 Voices & Boundaries

Pre-teens begin discovering who they are. This group focuses on confidence, communication, and learning how to set healthy boundaries. Through creative projects and group discussion, kids learn to express themselves safely and build emotional strength.

Activities include:

Journaling and reflection art
Group games and teamwork challenges
Identifying "safe people" and practicing healthy boundaries

Goals:

Build self-worth and emotional awareness.
Learn that saying "no" is a right, not a rebellion.
Gain tools to handle frustration and peer pressure.

Caregiver Connection

Healing happens faster when families heal together. We provide caregiver support groups and resources to help parents and guardians understand trauma responses, rebuild trust, and learn how to support their children without shame or guilt.

Goals:

Strengthen parent-child relationships.
Build understanding of trauma's impact behavior.
Empower caregivers with tools for calm, consistent communication.

Safety is Our First Priority

All facilitators are background-checked and trained in trauma-informed care.

Group sizes are small to ensure safety and trust.

No child is ever forced to share or relive painful memories.

Call to Action

Every child deserves a chance to heal. You can help make that possible.

Join us in creating a future where pain turns to purpose.

You're not a bad parent. Your child is not broken.

If your child is struggling after trauma, anger, loss, or emotional pain - you're in the right place. We're here to help you find support, hope, and healing together.

What We Offer

Light Beyond Shadows provides trauma-informed group programs for children and teens ages 5-17, plus guidance and support for caregivers.

Our programs help youth:

Build emotional awareness and healthy coping tools

Connect with peers who understand

Feel safe and supported after difficult experiences

Every group is led by trained, background-checked facilitators in a safe, compassionate environment.

What This Is and What It Is Not

This is:

A safe space for healing through creative expression and connection

Trauma-informed support focused on prevention and resilience

This is not:

Clinical therapy or counseling

A court-ordered or mandated service

A substitute for mental health or medical treatment

Important:

We are a community-based support program, not licensed therapists. We collaborate with families and professionals to ensure every child gets the right level of care.

Who We Help

Children who've experieced trauma, loss, or family instability

Youth showing signs of anger, withdrawal, or sadness

Teens struggling with trust, relationships, or identity

Parents and caregivers who feel lost or unsure how to help

"Healing doesn't start when everything is fixed. It starts when someone finally listens

(Cheryl Richardson, n.d.)."

Emergencey Disclaimer

If This Is an Emergency

Light Beyond Shadows is not a crisis service.

If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact:

911 (Emergency Services)
988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) - call or text anytime
The Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-392-3738)

You are not alone, and help is available 24/7.

Call to Action

Healing can start today.

You don't have to wait for things to "get bad enough." Early support makes all the difference - and we're ready to help.