CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Local, state, and federal authorities unveiled a mental health center at a Charleston elementary school Wednesday afternoon, naming it after Jahlil Clements, who was killed on I-77 in 2012.
The 11-year-old Clements, who attended Malden Elementary School, was hit and killed by a car while attempting to cross I-77 in Charleston to get help for his mother as she was being beaten by her boyfriend.
Supporters and officials gathered at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School as the ribbon was cut by the boy’s family and U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin to announce the Jahlil Clements Mental Health Center. Goodwin presented Clements’ mother, Lynitrah Woodson, and his grandmother with the Special Courage Award for Clements’ act of selflessness before he died.
Woodson was overwhelmed and thankful for all the support she’s received.
“Some people when the pass they’re just gone, but for them to just have him in their minds, and name this, it’s just really big for me. I’m very excited and just so happy,” said Woodson.
She said her son was a bright child who was a protector and peace-maker with all his friends.
“Nothing could make him mad. He wasn’t one to resolve issues. He just smiled. Just a great kid to be around,” she said. “Everybody says their kid is great, but I know I have one of the best.”
According to a national survey, 60 percent of American children have been exposed to violence, crime or abuse and 40 percent are the direct victims. The West Virginia Defending Childhood Initiative, referred to as “Handle With Care,” is tailored to reflect those needs and issues affecting children across the state. Goodwin spoke about the pilot program at the elementary school that focuses on improving communication between law enforcement and educators to alert and help them understand a child’s behavior after trauma, along with how to therapeutically treat them.
“This has enabled police to get in direct contact with the school and allow the school to know to handle this child with care,” said Goodwin. “The clinic will allow effective, efficient, intervention with kids who are exposed to those traumatic circumstances so it’s a very fitting tribute to Jahlil.”
He was a hero in his actions to help his mother, but his counselor “always thought he was one” Goodwin said. State officials are now trying to put the infrastructure in place to spread “Handle With Care” beyond Mary C. Snow Elementary on Charleston’s West Side, with plans to provide a worldwide program for children everywhere.