Awareness - Prevention- Treatment

Listen to Kids, established by Michelle Scandurro in December 2017, is dedicated to addressing the essential needs of adolescents who have experienced abuse and trauma. The organization was conceived in response to the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable youth, specifically focusing on the provision of clothing and essential resources.

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Operating through a multi-disciplinary professional network that includes schools, churches, Child Advocacy Centers, juvenile justice programs, and healthcare professionals, Listen to Kids has implemented several key initiatives:

• Clothing and Essentials: The organization has developed and maintained a clothing closet at the New Orleans Child Advocacy Center (NOCAC), providing new outfits for teens in need, as well as distributing toiletries to homeless youth at Covenant House NOLA.

• Emergency Support: Listen to Kids has provided emergency groceries and essential supplies to adolescents living independently, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Empowerment and Training: The organization has facilitated trauma-specific training for youth health providers, enhancing their capacity to support affected adolescents. Additionally, workshops such as "Intro to Restorative Yoga for Self-Care" have been offered to promote well-being among service providers.

• Community Awareness: Listen to Kids has conducted awareness campaigns, including the distribution of pinwheels for Child Abuse Awareness Month and the dissemination of handwritten notes of encouragement to adolescents in crisis.

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Through these initiatives, Listen to Kids has made a significant impact on the lives of numerous young individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary support and resources to heal and thrive in their environments.