The Heart of VIP

For years, HEART of VIP has been a group of women committed to raising awareness and funds to support children and women impacted by violence and poverty. It began on a hot day in June, almost 20-years ago, after a seven-year-old girl was brought to our trailer clinic after a violent assault on the streets of Los Angeles. Her dress was dirty, dingy, and far too big. She had no shoes or underwear. She had dirt ground into her entire body and she was crying. I had nothing to give her – not even a drink of water – so I sent the receptionist to the dollar store. She came back with underwear and a dress that would fit. I took her home in my red SUV and marveled at the dinginess and graffiti that were the normal background to the grimy apartments that lined the street. It was out of her needs that HEART was born, transforming VIP into what it has become. I remain eternally grateful to Eve Somer for asking me what she could do to help, and responding with HEART.

HEART (“Helping Ease Abuse-Related Trauma”) transformed our approach to the diagnosis and treatment of trauma related to abuse, neglect, sexual assault, and family or street violence. Because of their support, we were able to ask children, families, woman, and the elderly what they needed in order to find safety and rediscover their sense of self-worth. HEART has sent children to have plastic repairs for disfigured faces; paid for the orthodontia of a foster child in need; and even helped a child change schools because of bullying. There is a constant stream of support needed by staff and patients alike. Because of HEART we are able to ask the key question – “How can I help you?” The help may be nothing more than listening to them. And, when it is more, we rely on partners in the community of philanthropy to help buy necessities. There is a food giveaway every Friday, and daily requests for help from patients and their families. It has changed our lives for the better. We realize, every day, that the healing of a child or family impacted by violence is the reason we are here, and the reason we aren’t going anywhere.

HEART brings healing to trauma. It energizes, supports, and drives what we do at VIP, and the different it has made to children and families across Southern California is immeasurable. THANK YOU to all of the leadership and members of HEART – you have changed what is done for children in our community, and made a real difference in the lives of all of our patients.

So – in gratitude to all of you,
 
Astrid Heger – HEART