Children at The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth benefited from a generous Puente de Maravillas Foundation grant that paid for clothing, diapers, pull-ups, wipes, medications and nutritional meals/snacks.

Those items, along with a safe environment, childcare, hygiene products, complete medical/dental/vision examinations, transportation, head lice treatment, etiquette and toilet training, birthday celebrations with gifts, and everything else required for their needs and well-being were provided.

During a period of up to 90 consecutive days, the residents were taken from being traumatized due to abuse/neglect to being assessed and evaluated by medical doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, counselors and other trained professionals to prompt improvements in their outlook on life and for placement in a suitable long-term site where their needs could be met.

When the children are admitted to the shelter, they usually arrive with only the clothes they’re wearing. They received clothes and shoes at the facility, which increased their self-esteem. A youngster told a visitor, “Look at my new shoes!”

At discharge time, the minors were given luggage containing seven clothing changes (including a new outfit), hygiene supplies, a book, two toys and a stuffed animal.

Hourly diaper changes prevented the children from enduring hours of wearing wet or soiled diapers, eliminating one of the most common causes of diaper rash. The rash causes skin to become irritated from contact with urine and stool, particularly when diarrhea is present.

The agency sees that the residents get medical treatment, including any prescribed medications. However, Medicaid doesn’t pay for all the medications. That’s why the grant paid for some of them.

Virtually all the children admitted to The Ark have nutritional deficiencies. This grant purchased groceries consisting of meats, produce, dairy, breads, drinks, cooking essentials, children’s snacks, infant formula, baby food, and traditional holiday meals and snacks that reduced them. Those who were underweight due to malnourishment were encouraged to eat to attain a healthy weight. Training in the use of eating utensils was provided.

The Ark, which has served more than 4,500 children since admitting its first resident on April 7, 2000, is grateful for the Puente de Maravillas Foundation’s benevolence.