Breaking the Cycle
You’re giving moms like Emily hope amid their struggles
Because of your support, Emily has carved out a safe and stable home for herself and her children.
In the summer of 2020, two choices suddenly came into sharp focus: either Emily was going to break the destructive cycle she was living in, or she was going to repeat it for young daughter Maya and her unborn child. Because of you, Emily found a lifeline and bravely chose to break that cycle.
As a single mom, Emily had already overcome so much in her life –an unsettled childhood trauma, her mother’s death, domestic violence, grief, and homelessness. She knew more things had to change – she wanted them to change – but Emily was unsure what to do next. And then she learned she was pregnant again.
Emily ended an abusive relationship, cut off unhealthy friendships, moved in with her grandmother, and accepted temporary care for Maya from her Aunt Martha. She voluntarily enrolled in a substance management program, individual therapy for her and Maya, and signed up for parenting classes with Impact Living Services. Healing layers of childhood trauma and grief from the loss of her mother was hard work. But she was determined to forge a new path.
With no support from a partner, Emily was referred to HumanKind’s Healthy Families program early in her pregnancy, where she received prenatal and parenting support from a Family Support Specialist (FSS). Healthy Families even supported Emily’s sobriety and self-care, and her efforts paid off. In March of 2021, Emily gave birth to a beautiful and healthy son, Bryson. But before she could bring him home, Emily’s grandmother went to assisted living and her house sold. Emily again faced homelessness – not just for herself, but now with baby Bryson.
But this time, she knew where to turn for help. Her FSS helped her make a plan. She was connected with temporary housing and resources for her and Bryson, and confirmed that Aunt Martha could continue caring for Maya. Now Emily needed to find a job and reach for her career goals – but how could she afford childcare? Her FSS referred her to HumanKind’s Early Head Start (EHS) program – and Bryson was soon accepted.
Emily secured a part-time job, returned to school, and resumed full-time care of Maya, with backup from Aunt Martha as needed. Although she was juggling so many responsibilities, Healthy Families and EHS staff were right beside her. Emily received critical wrap-around support from both programs. With their support, she could continue making progress toward her goals.
“Emily represents so many amazing people we get to walk alongside on their journey. This is community. This is Early Head Start. This is Healthy Families. This is HumanKind.” – Cindy Joyner, Family Services Manager
Emily’s goals included sobriety, maintaining employment, transitioning to her own three-bedroom apartment, continuing education toward a medical career, family stability, and financial goals for the future. Because of your support, she receives continued in-home supportive services from Healthy Families. And while working and studying each day, she was able to stay connected to Bryson through photos and messages shared by his EHS teachers for three years! During his time with EHS, Bryson consistently met or exceeded all health, wellness, behavioral, and developmental benchmarks for his age group. When he turned three, EHS staff supported Emily in securing childcare in a new program, where Bryson could join his older sister!
Today, Emily has carved out a safe, stable home for her children. Maya and Bryson continue to thrive. With ongoing support from Celebrate Recovery, Emily remains substance-free for over four years!
Emily is the first person in her immediate family to attend college and has now earned both an associate degree and Allied Health certification from Central Virginia Community College. Even though Bryson has aged out of EHS, Emily continues to serve as the elected Chairperson of Early Head Start’s Parent Policy Council and represents family interests among medical professionals at the EHS Health Services Advisory Committee.
Your support makes stability possible for Emily so she can also give back to her community. She is the elected Chair of the EHS Parent Policy Council where she represents EHS families among medical professionals at the EHS Health Services Advisory Committee.
Emily did not give up. Her childhood goals of having her own home, a family, and a career are finally within reach. Because of your support, she is breaking the cycle.
At HumanKind, families grow, and families heal. When one family heals, our community is stronger. Today, because of your support Emily has carved out a safe, stable home for her children.
You transformed Emily’s life, and have given her an opportunity to find stability for herself and her children — she’s overcoming early obstacles because of you! Without you, she would have had a very different journey ahead. Every day there are mothers, who much like Emily, need someone to advocate and walk with them to navigate challenging obstacles. Because of you and your support, help and resources are ready and waiting for a parent in need.
Learn more about the Early Head Start program at HumanKind by visiting here.