Our friend, Roger Gros, of Boulder City Podcast, recently interviewed Dr Cristina Vela of St Jude’s Ranch for Children. They discussed the various programs at the ranch. They recently broke ground on the new center for sexually exploited children in the system. This Healing Center will open in Fall 2024.
The Healing Center will offer trauma specific treatment to victims with a goal to have them move along the continuum of healing, from victims to survivors, and then thriving in our community. Due to the complexity of emotional, physical, and sexual trauma experienced there will be an array of treatment modalities to meet these victims where they are in the healing process. Through this program, victims will receive treatment and services to address safety needs, gain a deeper understanding of the victimization they have experienced, improve self-esteem, develop and/or enhance motivation for change, improve life skills and empower them to reach life goals.
The Healing Center is expected to cost $25 million. The project was recently awarded a $500,000 grant by the Nevada Women’s Philanthropy, which will be allocated for the construction of a welcome center at the facility.
St Jude’s Ranch is celebrating its 57th anniversary this year and Dr Vela discussed how the mission of the Ranch is still remaining true to its original goals of helping children and the Healing Center is an extension of that.
Listen in HERE to learn more about what is happening at St Jude’s Ranch for Children.
