Katie was experiencing an inner turmoil that was affecting her daily life, including at school, and it surfaced in ways such as her breaking down and crying during class.

We recently reconnected with a mum who shared with us what a difference Mimi's House has continued to have in her daughter's life.  Back in 2018, it troubled her that Katie (then 9 years old) wasn't talking openly with her. 

Katie's parents were separated — her and her sister's time was divided between them.  Dad was grieving the loss of his mother and turned to his daughters for emotional support, instead of seeking appropriate help. 

On top of this, the girls didn't know who to trust — they were hearing conflicting messages from Dad about Mum, and vice versa. 

Katie was experiencing an inner turmoil that was affecting her daily life, including at school, and it surfaced in ways such as her breaking down and crying during class. 

Wisely, Mum connected with the school guidance officer and it was suggested that during the following year Katie come to Mimi’s House one day a week instead of spending that day at school.

“It’s great, super-fun!” and that one thing she had learned was that “Even if I'm scared, most situations I will come out of fine.”

During Katie’s time at Mimi’s we asked her how it was going.  She said, “It’s great, super-fun!” and that one thing she had learned was that "Even if I'm scared, most situations I will come out of fine."  She was paraphrasing one of the My Life Rulz Truth Coaches — designed to help kids develop resilience and navigate life's challenges.  

She said, "I used to hide my feelings if something was bothering me — now I just speak it out."  When asked how she was doing at school Katie said, "I feel a bit more settled." 

Mum shared that her relationship with Katie is better to-date, saying, “She's still open and honest and we can talk; she even requests to have a quiet chat.  

“She has a lot more inner strength.”

Katie was quite reserved before Mimi’s — she’s now a lot more confident to say what she's thinking.  Recently she had a very negative interaction with another student at school, but she handled it so well; she was surrounded by friends and she stood up for herself.  She has a lot more inner strength.”

What a wonderful glimpse of how Mimi’s House can help a child and how this can carry over into the home!

P.S. During her year at Mimi’s, Katie’s Mum had a stroke which left her in hospital for six weeks with a long recovery time following.  Mum said that it was so good that Katie was at Mimi's during this time — it helped her through.  Fiona, the Mimi's House Coordinator on Thursdays, even made meals for the family and personally delivered them.  Mum said she still remembers what a blessing and kindness this was to them.

*Name has been changed for to maintain confidentiality.