There’s no better way to share the impact our Family Support Volunteers make, than by sharing why Oasis Therapist Hannah Brown nominated Sophie Boes for one of three volunteer awards given at our annual Stand Up for Kids celebration. Hannah’s speech not only highlighted Sophie’s impact, but the reality of what it means to work in trauma-informed care.
Oasis is Canopy Center’s sexual abuse treatment program, and is the only no-cost, certified mental clinic that specializes in child sexual abuse in southern Wisconsin. Hannah shared: “When I tell people about my job and the work I do, I am almost always met with expressions of shock, sadness and heartbreak. It’s understandable and expected because the work is exactly that - it is shocking, sad and heartbreaking.”
Trauma is heavy and what our clients carry is unimaginable. But what people don’t see are the moments of joy and healing that happen here every day. The laughter of children rolling scooter boards down the hallway, spontaneous dance breaks in the lobby, a child proudly showing a volunteer their Beanie Baby collection or newest drawing.
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes a community. And at Canopy Center, part of that community is our Family Support Volunteers. The therapeutic process begins the moment a child steps into our building. That first point of contact - the smile and welcome from a volunteer - is a crucial part of creating a safe space.
This is why we are so grateful for volunteers like Sophie. Sophie has a warm, inviting presence that instantly puts children at ease. They look forward to seeing her each week - asking where she is if she’s not there, and lighting up with joy when she returns after a break. For some, spending time with Sophie is the highlight of their visit. She makes children feel safe, cared for, and free to be themselves.
When a child discloses abuse, their lives fill with people and processes: forensic interviews, case managers, courtrooms, treatment plans, and countless questions. In the midst of it, are our family support volunteers whose only role is simply to show up for them - without expectations, without demands. Sophie has been that steady, joyful presence for so many of the children we serve.
We are honored to celebrate Sophie with an award, in recognition of her dedication and the impact she has had on the Oasis program. Her presence reminds us that healing is not only about addressing trauma, but about experiencing joy, safety, and love.
Thank you, Sophie, for being a beautiful part of the healing journey, for so many.
Interested in learning more about this position? Click here.
