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Community Walk Brings Together Families and Advocates to Support Children Affected by Trauma and Improve Access to Mental Health Resources
West Goshen, PA, May 10, 2025 — Chester County nonprofit A Child’s Light hosted its inaugural awareness walk Friday evening at West Goshen Park, bringing together approximately 40 participants to raise awareness about children’s mental health and trauma recovery. The walk, held on the eve of Mother’s Day, marked a significant milestone for the organization in its mission to provide expedited access to mental health resources for children who have experienced severe trauma.
“When a child is drowning, it’s no time to teach them how to swim,” said Leslie Holt, Founder and Executive Director of A Child’s Light. “This walk matters because too many children suffer in silence, and too many families don’t know where to turn until it’s too late. The stories I hear confirm that timely intervention literally saves lives.”
Founded to honor the legacy of a daughter lost too soon, A Child’s Light focuses on helping children who have experienced severe trauma, particularly sexual abuse. The organization works to eliminate financial barriers that often prevent children from accessing vital mental health services.
“The biggest barrier to mental health care for children is money,” explained Holt. “Many kids don’t receive therapy simply because their parents cannot afford it. Through events like this awareness walk, we’re working to change that reality.”
The evening featured a special recognition of Melissa Herrmann, founder of the 100 Women Club, whose organization has provided crucial funding to expedite mental health services for children in need.
“We must take the stigma away from those seeking help with mental health issues,” said Herrmann during the walk ceremony. “Supporting organizations like A Child’s Light ensures children get the help they need when they need it most.”
Event sponsors included Resilio Mental Health Solutions, whose owners Daisy Lara and Andre Bennett emphasized the importance of reaching out: “You would be surprised who is willing to listen and help. Do not be afraid.”
Several walk participants shared personal connections to the cause. One mother, whose daughter is a survivor of trauma, attended to support others facing similar challenges. “There is so much help out there. You just have to find the strength to speak up,” she shared. “It’s hard, but necessary.”
Another participant, herself a survivor, walked to advocate for better communication with children. “You get told no one will believe you,” she explained. “But as an adult now, we must teach children that they can tell, and they can talk about it.” She urged parents to educate children and remind them never to feel ashamed. “If you can’t tell your parents, tell someone you trust.”
Looking ahead, A Child’s Light plans to make the awareness walk an annual event while expanding services to address transportation barriers for families. “We have therapists all over Chester County,” noted Holt. “This ensures children can receive care close to home, reducing the burden of transportation costs and time constraints for working parents.”
The organization encourages parents and caregivers to start conversations at home when suspicions arise. Community members interested in supporting the cause are invited to learn more about A Child’s Light’s work and consider participating in next year’s awareness walk.
For information on supporting A Child’s Light through donations, volunteering, or participating in future awareness walks, visit https://childslight.com .
About A Child's Light
A Child’s Light is a Downingtown-based non-profit organization committed to providing expedited mental health support for children aged 2-18. Through innovative programs and community partnerships, we strive to illuminate the path to healing for young minds, ensuring every child has access to the mental health resources they need to thrive.
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2 Comments
Nice share!
Thank you Mia! It was a wonderful event and absoutely worth the spotlight for the important cause.