At playtime he pretends he’s an armed policeman.

The Dallas Morning News Charities-JacobFrom seeing his father hold a gun to his mom’s head to witnessing him physically abuse his brother and sister, Jacob’s home was a war zone. Through one of our charities’ programs, Jacob was assigned a counselor and began sessions of play therapy to slowly heal the wounds caused by years of exposure to domestic violence.

Poverty robs people of dignity, hope and the power to determine their own future, but together we can make a difference. The Dallas Morning News Charities funds 25 local organizations that help those who are homeless, hungry and able to rehabilitate.

If you have it in your heart to help someone like Jacob have a bright and productive future, click here.

*The photo and name have been changed to protect the North Texan’s identity.