When God Uses Our Despair
Through our Family Support program, One More Child has the privilege of walking alongside individuals facing challenges as they work towards creating better futures for their families. We know that, by the grace of God, many individuals can accomplish feats they never imagined possible.
Natasha’s* road to reunification with her children began with Family Support.
Natasha's Story
Natasha reached out to our Family Support program in desperation. All five of her children were in foster care, and she had just about given up hope of ever getting them back.
Despite the overwhelming emotions of hopelessness, hurt, and humiliation, Natasha bravely committed to improving herself as a mother. She knew she needed support to enhance her parenting skills and make her home safe for her children again.
Family Support Helps Improve Parents Protective Factors
When Natasha began working with our Family Support program, her goal was to increase the protective factors in her life to create a safe, structured, and sustainable environment for her children.
Protective factors promote the health and well-being of a family while decreasing the likelihood of adverse outcomes and risks. Based on the Protective Factors Framework, parents like Natasha can:
- strengthen their resilience,
- improve social connections,
- receive concrete support in their time of need,
- acquire parenting and child development insights, and
- empower their children with emotional competencies.
Natasha was an eager learner and immediately put much of what she learned from her Parent Mentor into practice. Not only did she complete the program, but throughout, Natasha consistently checked in to gain additional skills and request resources to help her create a safe environment for her children.
Natasha’s case manager recognized her tremendous turnaround and the persistent work she was doing for her and her children. Recently, Natasha was reunified with one of her children. This victory has given Natasha hope that she will be reunited with all of her children again.
Natasha’s story is evidence that the Lord uses even our hopelessness. Reflecting on her journey to where she is today, it is clear her despair transformed into a driving desire that pushed Natasha to work to become a better parent who can provide a safe place for her children.
What Can I Do?
You can join us to make a difference in struggling families like Natasha’s. One More Child serves hundreds of thousands each year through its partnerships with like-minded organizations, churches, and businesses. We are working relentlessly to show the compassion of Christ – and you can join us.
How You Can Give Hope to Struggling Families
Your faithful giving helps parents break cycles of poverty, so they can lead their families with strength and dignity.