Most parents will tell you that they just want to have their children to have happy lives. Parents who have children with special needs are no different. They may not, however, understand the challenges that these children face. Staff at the Northern Lighthouse know this.
The staff members help northern Maine families understand their children’s behavior. Parents learn to reward positive behavior and how to manage the bad behavior. TNLH works with 440 families in Aroostook County. Its offices are in Caribou, Mars Hill, Presque Isle and Waterville.
Tiffany Faulkner, CEO of TNLH, said, “We have many success stories, and we have a lot of people who have done very well.” Most children who stay in the Mars Hill residential house have trouble at home. At the home, children learn how to be a part of a family.
Clients of TNLH often struggle in school as well as at home. Sometimes they are bullied and lash out in dangerous ways. They feel that they are not being heard and find it hard to tell others how they feel.
Corey Tilley does most of TNLH’s outreach. He currently runs 10 groups for children to help manage their behaviors. One young lady who would come to group had a hard time opening up. She would sit in the back, pull her hoodie over her head, tighten the strings and would not speak. She was there for a month before talking. Now the young lady receives awards in school for being helpful and has more confidence.
“We are seeing detentions going down,” Tilley said. “Teachers are finding the positives in things.” Children who get kicked out of class are now returning to classes. Group gives children a chance to share. Some who graduate still want to go to group. They look forward to it.
The Northern Lighthouse helps build stronger families. It provides the skills and teaches families who may not know how to raise children who have behavior and mental challenges. Children learn how to grow and how to make their relationships grow.
