Family Central Inc.

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Sometimes recognizing that a problem exists is the most important step one can take in resolving it. So says Gisela Cardenas, the mother of a daughter with special needs, who was directed to Family Central for support in 2008. At 18 months, Cardenas’ young daughter could neither crawl nor utter simple words like “mama” or “papa”. While Cardenas suspected something wasn’t quite right with her daughter, her husband absolutely refused to accept it, insisting instead that the child was merely a bit delayed. Their differing views took a heavy toll on their marriage and family until Gisela was referred to Family Central. According to Cardenas, it was a referral that changed their lives.
“I was dealing with the news of a sister far away in Italy dying from cancer and this child I knew had problems,” she said. “If it weren’t for Family Central, I would not have overcome everything that happened to me.”
The family was placed with Karime Bourzac, a Family Central nurturing coach, who helped them not only obtain the necessary therapy for their daughter, but provided emotional support as well.
“In the past, whenever anything happened in my life, I always blamed myself,” said Cardenas. “Karime helped me understand that sometimes things just happen in life and no one is to blame. She helped me realize that what was going on with my daughter was not my fault and that we could find help for her.”
Bourzac also helped the couple with one another – encouraging Cardenas to approach her husband differently about the topic and motivating him to listen without getting angry.  She says he eventually softened and supported her decision to seek help for their daughter.
The couple, who also have a young son, was placed on a waiting list to participate in Family Central’s 24-week Nurturing Parenting program.  They cleared the list in February and Bourzac now makes one two-hour in-home visit per week. During that time, the couple is offered parenting and nurturing techniques that Cardenas said have proved invaluable.
“We now go out at least once a week to do things together as a family,” Cardenas said.
Her husband, who often worked late hours that brought him home after the children were asleep, now arrives earlier to bathe and read to them before bed. Cardenas said these changes are all based on the advice and support received from Family Central.
“He was affectionate with them before, but he now hugs and kisses them much more,” she said. “The children are much more happy, more organized. We are much more united. We don’t think exactly the same way in everything, but we respect one another’s opinions.”
Cardenas’ daughter is making strides with therapy as well. She now has speech, physical and occupational therapy. She has issues with stability, but she walks. She has made progress with her speech as well, uttering sounds and making movements with her mouth that she was unable to achieve before. It is progress Cardenas treasures.
“Family Central helped me in all aspects of my life,” she said. “I don’t know where I would be today without their support.”