Measuring Success
One Case at a Time

Extreme poverty, abuse, domestic violence, abandonment... working with children from challenging backgrounds will test the mettle of the most seasoned professional.

Even so, Claudia Menequetti marches forward daily employing therapy, family counseling and community outreach in an effort to mold “at risk” children into productive future citizens afforded the rights of society we take for granted.

As resident psychologist at the Monte Alegre School, Claudia is a founding member of the RUMO team and serves on its board of directors. Claudia has been instrumental in building the school’s counseling program from the bottom up.

“Initially, I was a staff teacher and applied therapy only to the most at risk children,” says Claudia. “Quickly we realized therapy and family counseling needed to be an integral part of the overall program.”

Claudia reached out to the community for additional support, building a network of contacts from local schools and universities, health centers, social assistance groups, and the court system. “Raising the visibility of RUMO has allowed us to work directly with the children as well as their families,” explains Claudia.

Individual therapy is still applied to the most at risk children, yet as demand has increased to more than 80 children, group therapy sessions are the watchword. Group sessions focus on identifying feelings and conflict resolution, using playful activities that stimulate perception, mobility, autonomy and personal identity.

Claudia’s all-inclusive approach recognizes conditions at home are often the root of many problems facing the children enrolled in the school. “We work extensively with the family to search for options and solutions to problems,” say Claudia. “Our self improvement orientation directs parents to community resources that can provide assistance with advanced education and/or job training, legal services, employment, women’s services and social activities.”

Whether it’s an at risk child or struggling parent, overcoming obstacles and raising self-esteem are the core mission of RUMO. Claudia Menequetti lives it every day. Success is measured one case at a time.

Children’s Week Celebration

Children’s Week was punctuated with a host of entertaining cultural activities. RUMO children attended “The Little Frog Pemba,” a theatrical play about a very ugly frog and a beautiful princess. They also visited Naifs Biennial, learning about artwork that is popular in Brazil and participated in the toy and kite workshop, making kites from recycled materials.