PORT TOWNSEND — Jumping Mouse is a place where children can learn how to express themselves without pressure and find ways to deal with the pain resulting from domestic abuse.
“We get kids to play roles with these toys, which allows them to let out their feelings,” said founder Dott Kelly as she moved toys around a small sandbox in preparation for the next therapy session.
“A lot of times, kids use Darth Vader to represent a threatening or abusive parent.”
Jumping Mouse’s fundraiser, the annual Hearts in Bloom dinner, takes place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St.
The center, which opened in 1999, provides long-term therapy for kids who may have suffered abuse, neglect, loss or domestic violence.
The center serves about 80 kids a year, using four paid therapists and five volunteer therapists.
The therapy is administered on the basis of need, offered free of charge when necessary or on a sliding scale.
Tickets for Saturday’s dinner are $75 per person and includes a seasonal four-course dinner prepared by local chef Aaran Stark.
For more information, phone 360-379-5109.
