Rising to the Challenge: Adriana's Journey of Strength and Resilience
Adriana* is a young woman in her early 20s that became the caregiver to her three younger siblings, who have all been evaluated and have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Adriana was very resourceful and connected with SPIRITT immediately to address her needs and the needs of the children. Despite the stressful situation of moving into the home with her siblings and taking over all responsibilities from her mother (who was no longer in the home), Adriana did not lose courage or motivation. She secured childcare while she continued with her part-time job and began paying utilities so that her siblings and her can have stability in their life.
SPIRITT was able to support Adriana with rental assistance to pay for past due rent that was unpaid prior to her moving in. She is now able to continue to pay rent and utilities, stating that her situation is much more manageable now that she is not worried about accumulated past due bills. Adriana has attended several of SPIRITT’s community events since she came in contact with our Relative Support Services (RSS) program. Now, she has become resourceful and knowledgeable of support services, when she may need them.
Breaking Free: Diana’s Triumph Over Adversity and Addiction
Diana* came to SPIRITT after the removal of her children (ages 5 and 8) by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), due to parental substance abuse and domestic violence between Diana and the father of her children. She reported a severe history of emotional, mental, and physical abuse in the relationship and was using methamphetamine to cope; this escalated to her injecting the drug. Diana was able to leave her dangerous relationship and live with her aunt and began to fight for her children.
Diana successfully completed a 6-month outpatient substance abuse program with SPIRITT and has voluntarily continued in aftercare services for ongoing support and has remained engaged in her recovery process. Diana has remained sober for over 8 months now and has found a stable and safe place to live, thus resulting in her gaining custody of her two children. Diana now has a healthy social support network, healthier boundaries, and has increased her coping skills, and has demonstrated strength and resiliency throughout her recovery process.
Finding Home: Ethan’s Path to Healing and Adoption
Ethan* (youth) was referred to SPIRITT Family Services with an open case with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) due to his history of physical and emotional abuse by his biological parents. Ethan had a total of 23 placements until he finally arrived with his foster parents, Esther and Evan.
Ethan and his foster parents were greatly engaged in SPIRITT services. Ethan progressed and was soon able to communicate and express himself in a healthy way. Esther and Evan were determined to provide Ethan with a stable home and pursue adoption with Ethan, who is planned to graduate successfully from SPIRITT services in June 2023.
Healing and Hope: Gina’s Journey to Reclaiming Her Life
Gina* joined the Domestic Violence Support Group through a referral by her assigned social worker after a DCFS case was opened for reports of intimate partner violence and substance abuse. She is now a week away from completing the DV Support Group and has shown tremendous growth and is striving towards the best version of herself. She has actively participated in group sessions by sharing her own experience with surviving an abuse relationship, expressing her emotions, and providing reassuring words to other members who were struggling with previous or current abuse relationships.
Gina shared that the group allowed her to openly share, reflect, and process abuse that she endured that otherwise would have weighed her down and prevented her from feeling as hopeful and positive as she feels today. Since joining the support group and being linked to SPIRITT, she has also completed the Nurturing Parenting Program and has attended events in person, further broadening her skills for the future. Gina has reinstated her parenting rights and continues to strive and educate herself on trauma, coping, and healing.
Second Chances: Helen’s Road to Recovery and Renewal
Helen* is a single and unemployed mother to five sons referred to SPIRITT’s Family Preservation (FP) program with an open case due to her being arrested for DUI with her youngest son in the car. She completed her court requirements, including her parenting classes, substance use treatment, drug testing, and attending Alcoholics Anonymous.
During her time with SPIRITT, Helen continued with her AA support group and was open to connecting to a sponsor, even though it was not court-mandated. Additionally, she was able to complete her children’s court mandates, connect to therapy to process her history of trauma, completed her DUI court requirements, and connected to a GED program, and started working at a local fast food restaurant to earn a living wage.
*All names have been changed for confidentiality