The coordinator of the program shares the story of an 8th grade boy, Asher*, who was extremely introverted, non-participatory and angry. She noted that he had demonstrated this behavior since the previous year, and despite all her efforts, she was unsuccessful in discovering the root of the problem. At the start of the year, at the first parents gathering, the boy’s mother was present, so the coordinator approached her and inquired as to the boy’s well-being. The mother burst into tears, and shared her story: “Last year Asher’s older sister, who was in 10th grade, suddenly passed away. They were so close, and Asher was devastated. He has not been the same since. He doesn’t respond to me at all at home. He is supposed to have weekly meetings with a social worker, but he does not go to them. He is in another world. I just don’t know what to do.”  The coordinator approached the school counselor, who stated that the boy did not need help, as he was getting assistance through the social worker. The staff explained that he was not utilizing the service, and truly needed help.

 

As a result of the dedicated and persistent ENP program staff, the mother who felt she could share her problem, and the boy who was willing to place his trust in others, Asher has been regularly attending conversations with the school counselor, and a steady improvement has already been witnessed. Just the other day, at another parents meeting, the mother approached the coordinator and said with relief, “my boy is coming back.”