Rico's Story
The children’s father had been abusing their mother since before they were born. They knew it even though their mother hoped they did not. Marta had tried unsuccessfully to leave several times. As the oldest, Rico was protective of his siblings – rushing them into their bedroom whenever Dad yelled or shoved Mom – which was often.
Marta had little contact with friends or family, but worked hard to attend the kids’ school conferences. She never spoke about her abuse, but wanted something better for her children. When a school counselor suggested the Youth Support team at LifeWorks NW, worried about Rico, Marta made the call.
The youth support team scheduled a time to meet, not only with Rico and Marta but with the other children also. The family counseling sessions were conducted in Spanish. The team provided support and information about the cycle of violence. They provided community resources to support Marta’s decision to leave her abusive relationship.
Finally in a safe stable home, Rico and Connie began to attend school regularly and their grades rapidly improved. Rico is fighting less and helping his mother with his siblings so she could go back to school part time to become a nurse. Through the youth support team at LifeWorks NW, Rico and his family have found hope again.