AppleTree Child Development Center -  Nurturing Lives

Tony's Story

By Annette Paanajen

Typically, when children are around two years of age, they are in a time of rapid learning, eager to explore and understand the world around them. This was not the case with "Tony." When he first came to AppleTree Educational Center, brought by his mother - a teen mom - for childcare, Tony was a timid, even frightened, little boy. He didn't even know what it meant to be safe. His father, who was mentally ill, often tried to hurt Tony. Tony suffered from nightmares during naptime, and had difficulties making friends. In fact, his fear was such that he tried to hurt others and even himself.

However, within 30 days of Tony's enrollment, the family health coordinator at AppleTree sat down with Tony's mom and mapped out a plan for her and Tony to get the help they needed. Tony was enrolled in a health insurance plan, received his immunizations and began speech therapy and counseling.

He continued to attend AppleTree's early childhood program, where the caring, qualified staff would listen to him and comfort him when he cried. At AppleTree Tony's comfort level increased in classrooms with furniture just his size, stocked with his favorite toys. He had plenty of time to learn by doing -- all in a safe place. Soon Tony was sleeping peacefully through naptimes and his self-inflicted wounds began to heal. He began finding joy in childhood.

Tony attended AppleTree's early childhood program until he was six years old. In order to ensure continued progress in Tony's spirit, mind and body, the AppleTree team worked closely with his mother even after he was no longer in the program.

Today Tony is 13. Although his father is in prison and his mother has passed away, Tony continues to thrive while living with his grandparents. Statistically, given his history, he should be failing; instead he is in the gifted program, at the top of his class. He is active in sports and volunteers in the community. Tony is living proof that nurturing the lives of children while they are young can change the course of their lives.

Founded in 1999, AppleTree Educational Center is a faith-based, nationally accredited nonprofit organization located in Truth or Consequences and is dedicated to providing comprehensive family support services to in Sierra County. For more information on how to contribute time or in other ways to AppleTree, call 575.894.5646 or visit the website at www.appletreeeducation.org.