The children at Raphael House have experienced a multitude of traumas, often including the absence of a parent, and always the loss of a home. More than 60 percent of the children have been exposed to some kind of abuse. Needless to say, they do not possess the ability to process and cope with the trauma they have experienced. The results are often dramatic -- poor nutrition, developmental delays, as well as emotional and behavioral problems.

Raphael House understands that children need both discipline and caring support to sustain them through the confusing and unstable experience of homelessness. We provide a strong daily structure focusing on developing creativity and imagination. We also offer a broad mix of activities, special events, resources and targeted services that are available days, evenings, weekends and holidays. These include food and clothing; referrals to medical and mental health providers; academic tutoring and school advocacy; art and drama therapy; scholarships to summer camp, swimming, music, art, ballet, and martial arts lessons; birthday, holiday and cultural celebrations; and exposure to the larger community through attending performances of the ballet, theater and ball games.

Based on a thorough assessment of the children's physical, emotional and mental health (facilitating appropriate interventions when necessary) our services are designed to:

• Encourage respect and cooperation in family relationships
• Develop social skills and good behavior
• Teach positive ways of expression
• Teach listening and communication skills
• Create opportunities for individual accomplishment
• Provide the environment, relationships and help to become inspired and motivated to do school work successfully
• Provide social, intellectual and emotional enrichment by offering cultural opportunities in the Bay Area.

Since children whose lives have been disrupted so critically often fall behind in school, Raphael House offers after-school tutors and case workers who work with the school district to assure that each child's needs are met. Seventy children also attended summer camp last summer through a Raphael House scholarship program. Of all the memories of being homeless that a child may carry, we hope they will take with them the support, the celebration, and the opportunity to remain a child that they receive through their experiences at Raphael House.