SNAP Program Helps Southwest Florida Mother Find Stability

Alison's 8-year-old daughter Victoria struggled with ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, sensory processing disorder, and anxiety. The combination produced severe emotional outbursts, lying, stealing, and repeated attempts to run away from home. Two Baker Act interventions followed.

"There was a point where I was barely making it through my days," Alison said. "I was mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted."

Lutheran Services Florida's SNAP program changed that. SNAP—Stop Now And Plan—is a 13-week, evidence-based intervention for children ages 6 to 11. It teaches children and caregivers how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect, then provides tools for emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving.

When Alison and Victoria started the program with LSF case manager Cooper Ford, Alison doubted it would work in such a short timeframe. Within weeks, Victoria applied the skills at home, in the car, and at school. By week five or six, she taught the techniques to friends and teachers.

Victoria achieved 13 consecutive weeks of perfect school attendance—a major shift for a child who previously struggled to get ready each morning. Her urge to run away decreased. She began asking her mother for help managing her emotions.

Alison's mother joined the Wednesday night sessions and learned new ways to communicate with Victoria. The household transformed from survival mode to one built on understanding and support.

"During the SNAP program, I felt supported instead of judged," Alison said. "For the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful about the future."

Ford noted Victoria's words at discharge: "She said she finally felt calm and confident."