By Nancy Baker | Communications Director
Since our last report, our staff and volunteers at INMED USA continue to witness small and large miracles every day. In this report, we are sharing the story of Angel, who is fairly new to INMED's after-school learning lab and mental health and wellness programs.
Eight-year-old Angel is one of untold numbers of children whose lives have been forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic—and who will forever feel the aftershock.
Over the past year at school, Angel became a constant trouble-maker, disrupting class and fighting with other students. His teacher regularly sent notes to his mother about his bad behavior, but because Angel’s mother struggled with the English language, she was at a loss for how to engage with the teacher. Angel’s grades plummeted.
When the new school year began, Angel was referred to INMED USA’s after-school program for tutoring and mentoring by INMED’s bilingual staff. One day, he confided in INMED’s youth mentor that he did not have a father. When asked what happened, Angel replied, "He died of COVID and he left me.”
The youth mentor spoke with Angel’s mother and learned that the entire family had experienced a deep depression after the loss of Angel’s father. He arranged for the family to participate in INMED’s mental health and wellness program. Angel and his mother both blossomed with virtual and in-person dance therapy classes. “With the dance, the sadness went away,” says Angel’s mom.
Angel started learning traditional and hip-hop dancing with INMED’s after-school dance club, performing as the lead dancer at the annual Latino Festival in Leesburg. He was very excited that his entire family came to see his performance. Angel also received homework help and academic enrichment in INMED's after-school learning lab, which helped him improve his grades at school.
“Since Angel began attending the INMED activities, he has changed a lot,” says his mother. “He behaves better at school and I see that he is happy."
It could have been a very different story for Angel. “All this time I have been very sad and angry,” he says. “I like to come to the little school (INMED’s Opportunity Center), because it is a lot of fun and I have friends and I feel happy.”
There are thousands of Angels among us in Loudoun County—children, teens and families struggling to piece their fragile lives back together after COVID and grappling with the impacts of skyrocketing inflation.
Perhaps you could be an angel to our neighbors in need. If you haven't done so already, please consider becoming a recurring donor. All the Angels out there will thank you for your support!
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