By Banita Howell, Treatment Specialist
SCI Mercer’s Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) volunteered at the Hadden House in Farrell on Dec. 8. The Hadden House is a social service referral network through Zion Education Center which ensures that children and families who have been exposed to adverse life experiences have a comfortable and confidential space to meet with counselors, life coaches and therapists. Services include social-emotional support, housekeeping skills, self-help, nutritious meals and parenting skills.
The Hadden House exemplifies what a loving home environment should look and feel like while serving as a model home for disadvantaged families; ultimately, reducing the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences and trauma by providing on-site empowerment meetings, programs, therapists, interventionists, and mentors with a strength-based approach.
HNT members built a firepit for families who have endured trauma to possibly roast marshmallows or just sit and relax with their children during the summer. They also painted rooms, rebuilt a storage unit, and cleaned and stored summer furniture items.
“We thoroughly enjoyed helping this organization and will possibly be doing volunteer work every December for our training as well to give back to a community in our county,” said Banita Howell, treatment specialist.