A BIG Shout Out to Coleman USA! Avary is a winner in their Continue

Exploring Contest and will receive $5000 worth of Coleman camping

equipment.  Avary will use this much needed new equipment to replace

old, worn and broken gear. We are so grateful to Coleman for their

dedication and support in getting youth outdoors!

Losing a parent to prison can have devastating effects on children. When William’s dad went to jail his eight year old life was turned upside down. His mom Francisca began asking around for help and found Project Avary.
William's Family at Avary Support Group

Like many young children with a parent in prison, William was confused and upset. He started getting into fights at school and talking back to teachers. The school helped Francisca find a therapist to help him deal with his anger. That’s how she learned about Project Avary. She began attending Avary’s monthly parent support group. There she met other parents that were dealing with the same issues and Avary social workers who offered guidance on ways to talk to William about what was happening to his father. Soon William made friends with other children that came along with their moms. Francisca felt less alone, less like her children were the only kids with this kind of problem. William liked it so much that every month he would remind his mom that it was time to go to group again.

When summer came William went to Camp Avary. At camp he was around other children in the same circumstances and met teen counselors who had grown up with Project Avary. In addition to nature walks and swim lessons, he sat in on discussions about losing a parent to prison and learned important skills, like how to calm down when he was angry and how to deal with conflict in a peaceful manner. When he returned home, Francisca saw a different boy. He was happy and sang songs from camp. He talked about all his new Avary friends and was more responsible around the house. He didn’t fight as much at school and seemed more settled. Francisca was excited for William to start attending year-round Adventure Day outings, and she couldn’t wait for Vitoria, her younger daughter, to be old enough to attend Camp Avary. She knew in her heart that if her children could grow up with Project Avary, they stood a chance of growing into healthy young adults.
William & Friend

A decade of experience tells us that early enrollment of young children and their extended involvement can make a real difference in these children’s lives. Your support is what makes this possible.

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