A Home Within, Washington

The Washington, DC chapter of A Home Within provides weekly therapy sessions for youth in foster care, many of whom have suffered from unstable living environments and occasionally from abuse. Nationwide, 52 chapters of A Home Within partner with more than 750 private-practice therapists to meet the emotional needs of current and former youths in foster care. Participants have an opportunity to work through mental-health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and dissociative disorders. These sessions can help mitigate the stress of chronic loss and childhood trauma so that youths can rebuild their lives socially and emotionally and move toward mental well-being. The resulting relationship with a caring adult and steady role model can also empower young people to break the cycle of loss and become contributing members of their community.