When Child Protection took Eliana at the age of 6 due to Laura’s struggles with addiction, she was forced to acknowledge the problems that had been avoiding for so long. The county placed her child in foster care, while ordering Laura to become clean and maintain that sobriety if she wanted her child to live and grow with her.
Once Laura achieved sobriety, her child was temporarily placed back in her home on a trial basis before going back to court for the final decision; she was then referred to Bridges of Hope. Laura entered not only guarded, but visibly perturbed by the possibility of losing her child. Her history with social workers plagued any potential thought that this program would be beneficial. Our staff met with Laura, made a schedule and a plan. She was uneasy, but felt this time was somehow different.
Parenting support was especially needed, but it was clear Laura was ready to work hard to regain custody of her child. Staff gave Laura a chore chart appropriate for Eliana’s age, and implemented a reward system that really blossomed their parent-child relationship. Laura was excited at the bonding that was taking place, and of her own accord even started suggesting other activities the two could participate in together. She asked meaningful questions, and set healthy boundaries. To make things even better, Laura had been working through a temp agency for three months and was offered a full time position there, which she readily accepted!
For the first time in a long time, the two were not only stable- but happy. When asked by staff if she thought she needed to be in the program any longer, Laura replied with a smile and, “I’ve got this.” Court came and went, and Laura is still the sole provider for her child.
On behalf of our Staff and Board, thank you for helping enable families to thrive and providing a message of hope in our community!
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