When Luna first arrived at GRM, she didn’t say a word… she just sat and stared… expressionless and frozen.

“That’s a classic trauma response,” Marissa, our Children’s Services Advocate explained. “You could see the weight of it in her little body. She was just shut down.”

At just over a year old Luna had already lived through more chaos and instability than most adults. She and her mom had lost everything. And while her mom entered recovery and began working toward stability, Luna entered Children’s Services—scared, withdrawn, and unsure if the world was safe.

Through the Nurtured Heart approach, we began to slowly build connection—offering her safety, structure, and consistency. As her mom stabilized through our Recovery program and parenting support, Luna began to reemerge.

One day, she smiled. Then came a giggle. Then came play. Her spark returned! 

“She became this vivacious, joyful little girl!” shared Marissa. “Vibrant, happy, and full of personality. She lit up the room!”