A mom tells the story of her courageous journey to help her son, Brayden. She found early intervention at the STRONG Child & Adolescent Day Treatment Program, a service of Christian Family Solutions.

My son Brayden’s behavior challenges began when he was around four years old. Like any parent, I set out to find help, but again and again I was told, “It’s just a phase. He’ll grow out of it.” There seemed to be no mental health treatment for children his age. I was confused and desperate. Why wasn’t there help for him now before things got worse?

The phone calls from day care became constant. Every day, I was asked to pick him up early because of his behavior. Several day cares eventually told me he couldn’t return. I tried everything—mental health evaluations, therapy, doctor visits—but nothing seemed to help. I did my best to be there for him, but it never felt like enough.

By first grade, Brayden’s behaviors had worsened. Physical aggression and destruction became frequent at home. We increased his therapy sessions to weekly, but things continued to spiral. When the behavior became more dangerous, I begged his therapist for more intensive treatment. That’s when she told me about the STRONG Milwaukee Center and put in a referral.

For the first time, I felt hope.

When I spoke with Ms. Deb at STRONG, she listened with compassion and assured me they could help. But there was a waitlist. I called often, sometimes in tears, desperate for an opening. Things at home and school were getting worse. Brayden’s behaviors became more unpredictable—hitting, kicking, screaming, and destroying property. I was exhausted, scared, and praying for a breakthrough.

Then one day, Ms. Deb called: Brayden could start the following week. I cried tears of relief.

Finally, my son was going to get help.

Brayden started at STRONG in November 2023. His therapist explained that things might get worse before they got better, and they did. On his second day, I got a call that Brayden had punched his therapist. I was mortified and ready to come get him.

But Dr. Ashley said, “This is why we’re here—to help. We’re not going anywhere, and we’re not giving up on him.”

Those words meant so much to me.

The reassurance and support from the STRONG team gave me hope. Over time, Brayden began to improve. He received individual and family therapy, and the team coordinated closely with his school to ensure consistency in his care. Slowly, I started to see progress. Brayden learned coping skills, built friendships, and began to take pride in his daily sheets covered in stars. It took several months, but I finally saw my little boy happy again.

In August 2024, Brayden graduated from STRONG. He stood proud of the hard work he’d done. He went on to have his best school year yet and even received the award for Most Improved. I was beyond proud. STRONG had given my son the tools to succeed and restored hope to our family.

In today’s world, with all we know about mental health, we must do more to help children before problems escalate. We were blessed to have STRONG and a team who refused to give up on my son. They didn’t label him as the bad kid. They loved him. They supported him and gave him the help he needed. That kind of love and support means everything to a child who struggles.

You can help!

Your gifts to Christian Family Solutions make stories like Brayden’s possible. Many children are still waiting for treatment, and the cost often exceeds what insurance covers. Your support ensures more families receive the help they need.

Donate now to help more families access mental health care when they need it most.

Gabby and Brayden bravely told their story at the 2025 Healing & Helping Golf Outing to benefit Christian Family Solutions.