When a child is diagnosed with a long-term serious illness, the entire family is swept into a turbulent sea of change. There is never-ending travel and treatment. There are physical challenges, emotional challenges, and financial challenges.
Fortunately, there is also a refuge - a safe harbor - Children's Harbor.
Children's Harbor Family Center at Children's Hospital, conveniently located at 1600 6th Avenue South, Suite 200 (across the street from Children's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama), helps families safely navigate through the stormy times which come with a child's diagnosis and treatment.
How We Help
Focusing on children served through the Hematology\Oncology, Pulmonary, and Nephrology Departments at Children's Hospital, we provide free, confidential counseling and support services to these children and their families.
Perhaps a child is dealing with fear or with peer-rejection because of physical changes. Perhaps a sibling is angry because a brother or sister who is ill is getting all the family's attention. Or maybe parents simply need help in adjusting to their child's diagnosis - to learn they're not the only ones who feel swept away by an angry sea of despair.
Common feelings families may experience during this time include low self-esteem, isolation, strained relationships, loss and bereavement, depression, anxiety, anger, jealousy, fear, or hopelessness. Our caring and professional staff help children and their families cope with these issues.
The Services We Offer
Our staff includes specially trained, masters-level professional counselors, social workers, and educators who are a part of the child's multi-disciplinary team at Children's Hospital.
The following is a description of just some of the services we offer:
Individual counseling helps individual family members to identify, understand, and resolve personal and relationship difficulties.
Family counseling helps a family work together more effectively and supports the growth and development of all its members.
Parent and child relationship counseling helps the child and parent explore ways to maintain balance and strengthen their relationship through effective communication and cooperation.
Parenting training provides parents with effective methods for improving their parenting skills.
Play therapy provides opportunities for clients to express their feelings through therapeutic play.
Coping techniques teach skills related to reducing and managing stress and anxiety.
Support groups are provided for people in similar circumstances to develop new relationships, share methods of coping, and encourage each other.
Social support services assist families with referrals, transportation, housing, and other social needs which have evolved due to the child's illness.
Confidentiality
An essential aspect of counseling is confidentiality. All of our staff uphold the highest standards of ethics and are committed to preserving the confidentiality of children and their families.
How to Access Our Services
Families are our first priority, and we believe they should have easy access to our services. We are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A physician or medical team member may refer a family for services, or the family can simply refer themselves by just giving us a call.
How We Are Funded
Since the child's illness usually puts the family under enormous financial stress, there is no charge for our services. All services are free to these children and their families through the generous contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, civic groups, church groups, our founders, and others.
How You Can Help
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we depend upon your generosity. To offer financial support, please send your contributions to Children's Harbor.
Volunteers are also welcome to help with special events and office tasks. If you want to volunteer your time and talents, just e-mail us at information@childrensharbor.com or give us a call at 334-857-2133 or 205-939-6123.
Family Center Services Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
1st and 3rd Sundays: 1 pm - 5 pm
Children's Harbor, Inc.
1 Our Children's Highway
Children's Harbor, AL 35010-8620
Phone: (334) 857-2133
Fax: (334) 857-2516
Children's Harbor Family Center
at Children's Hospital
1600 6th Avenue South, Suite 200
Birmingham, AL 35233-1711
Phone: (205) 939-6123
Fax: (205) 939-6313
