Omari

Omari recently accomplished something that once seemed out of reach, spending a full week away from home at 4-H camp on Smith Mountain Lake. For a child who had never been several hours away from family, this was a big step. At camp, Omari met new kids, followed directions, managed his emotions, and built friendships. All while enjoying new experiences and a sense of independence.

This milestone reflects how far Omari has come since beginning services with Southside Behavioral Health in kindergarten. After the loss of his father and with his mother unable to care for him, Omari’s great-grandmother became his guardian. In those early days, he struggled with focus in school, had difficulty listening to adults, and often acted out at home and on the bus. These challenges left his family worried about his future.

Through Southside Behavioral Health, Omari has received consistent case management, telehealth visits with his doctor, and mentoring support through our partnership with Save Our Future. These services have provided him with structure, guidance, and caring relationships that have helped him develop better focus, healthier coping skills, and stronger connections with others.

Omari’s success at camp is more than just a fun week away, it is a testament to the progress he’s made through the ongoing support of Southside Behavioral Health. With each step forward, he is gaining the confidence and resilience he needs to thrive at school, at home, and in the community.