Meet Aliana and Her Mother Claudia

Aliana’s Story…

My father was taken away when I was only 6 years old. I was sad, scared and very, very confused. I latched onto my mother and we became closer than ever, but I didn't know how to open up about what I was feeling. My friends all noticed that my father never picked me up from school and that he wasn't ever around, but I never told anyone why.

I visited my father in prison a lot the first few years and saying goodbye was always the hardest part. I felt sadness in a way that I didn't know how to handle. I started seeing a therapist, but it didn't help that much. When I was 9 years old, my mother introduced me to Project Avary and everything changed. The very first time I joined a group zoom meeting, I knew I had found my people.
 

"I knew I had found my people..."
 

At first I was shy, but the counselors and other children made me feel very comfortable. I discovered that everyone around me felt the same things and had similar experiences. It was so healing to share my feelings.

"Project Avary feels like family..."

I kept coming back, session after session and became a Junior Leader. I believe in myself and I want to keep growing with the Avary community to become a counselor. I participate in retreats, summer camp and the online groups. I feel so grateful for all of the fun and magical moments at Avary.

My mother has always been by my side throughout my life journey. We were able to go to Family Camp together and it was such a special experience to share. She has seen so much positivity in me after joining Avary and is inspired to share this program with others. Project Avary feels like family for us.