It might be hard to fathom the importance or impact of festive decorations making spirits bright during the holiday season. But when those decorations are decking the halls of the Children’s Assessment Center in Houston—which exists to provide compassionate treatment to sexually abused children and their families—things like twinkling lights and Christmas trees take on a deeper meaning. They can bring a small sense of comfort to the children who enter this place that will serve as a safe haven, where care and treatment can lead to the first steps toward healing.
A group of TLU nursing students from the university’s Houston campus recently stepped forward to lend a hand at the center’s Spirit of Winter Holiday Prep event. “We were preparing for Christmas holidays by bringing decorations from storage into an area for sorting outside and inside, as well as trees and ornaments,” said Dr. Debbie McNair, clinical professor of nursing. “This helped the staff to stay on task to help clients coming in for treatment.”
McNair, who teaches Community Health Nursing, says this was the first time TLU has done community service at the CAC—and the connection is an important one. “I hope this is the start of them allowing us to come in for future rotations and having the opportunity to shadow other workers through the process from admission to discharge, as well as everything in between,” she said. “There is a medical clinic, mental clinic, and numerous rooms for law enforcement and attorneys to gather evidence. Many of the children spend time learning, while receiving therapy to help them cope through the tough times they have endured.”
McNair says the student volunteers had the opportunity to tour the facility and meet CAC staff members and administrative leaders, including the CEO and the assistant administrator. “I work as a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), and the Children’s Assessment Centers are where many of the cases for sexual assault and domestic violence are initiated,” she explained. “Since I am showing the students how nursing plays a huge role in community health promotion and prevention, the CAC was a great place for them to see that nursing is broader than hospitals or clinics.”
“The Texas Lutheran University Nursing Students were such a joy to host,” said CAC Volunteer Coordinator Yaren Zamarripa, adding that the students arrived ready to work and bring positive energy to the task at hand. “Because of your support, we were able to begin preparing for a memorable holiday experience for our children and families.”
“The facility utilizes donations and volunteers to function beyond the capability,” said McNair. “Again, it frees the social workers, nurses, law enforcement, and administration from excessive time spent to ensure things are done for the holidays, as well as making sure time is not reduced in actual care.” She says the students welcomed the opportunity to do what was needed for the holidays while at the same time learning how nurses fit into the process of caring for those who come to the center.
The connection between TLU and the CAC will go on from here. McNair says the group hopes to help with the center’s holiday party, passing out toys and assisting with food—not only freeing up staff to devote their time to more pressing matters, but to bring a little bit of joy to some children who need it.
