Helping Her Find Her Voice…

Looking back at stories of our girls overcoming, remind us why we do what we do. We wanted to share one of them with you…

We first met E (Initials used to protect identities) through the First Responder Protocol in 2015, meaning she came into contact with local law enforcement. She had a history of involvement in the child welfare system, and our advocate was able to meet her at the local Department of Child and Family Services office. Jasmine was able to build rapport quickly in order create the foundation for a relationship, which is key to our relational approach. Our advocate, Jasmine, was able to meet with E while her social worker was working to make a placement decision.  Jasmine introduced herself and they began talking about some things that she liked such as dancing and singing. After some time, E showed Jasmine some of the videos she had made of her singing.

Over the course of the first 2-3 months, E’s team was able to assist family with getting counseling, some funds from DCFS and gift cards from Saving Innocence for school clothes, and work on communication with E and her mother through counseling. E attended Empowerment events and activities offered by the community. During this time E was placed in a short term shelter but later returned back to the care of mother. She had stabilized at home and we were prepared to close her case.

In early 2016, she was again picked up by law enforcement, and we re-engaged on a more regular basis. E stated that she was ready to get herself on the right track, so Jasmine assisted by helping her set goals and offering incentives once these goals were completed. Jasmine helped E apply to a student event called the BET Experience. This event allowed students interested in the music and entertainment business to go to an award show and network with people in the entertainment industry. Jasmine also helped E with a video entry talking about her inspiration.  Jasmine encouraged and praised E for staying on track and working towards her goals. Also during this time, E was having regular family sessions with her mother and even successful home passes.  Jasmine even took E to try out for “The Voice”, where she had the opportunity to showcase her talents.

This year, E went on to graduate high school, and obtained a job. E is currently attending a local community college and is on track to transfer to a four year university in 2 years. E still keeps in contact with Jasmine and still likes to be a part of the events, especially if they involve singing and dancing.

While this success story took years of support for this young woman through her recovery, we recognize there are hundreds more of these stories in process. We so appreciate the support of our partners who come alongside us to help these youth accomplish their goals, and we love that we get to play a part in their story.

As we reflect on 2017, we are thinking about some of the stories that remind us why we do this work, and we wanted to share one of them with you.

We first met E (Initials used to protect identities) through the First Responder Protocol in 2015, meaning she came into contact with local law enforcement. She had a history of involvement in the child welfare system, and our advocate was able to meet her at the local Department of Child and Family Services office. Jasmine was able to build rapport quickly in order create the foundation for a relationship, which is key to our relational approach. Our advocate, Jasmine, was able to meet with E while her social worker was working to make a placement decision.  Jasmine introduced herself and they began talking about some things that she liked such as dancing and singing. After some time, E showed Jasmine some of the videos she had made of her singing.

Over the course of the first 2-3 months, E’s team was able to assist family with getting counseling, some funds from DCFS and gift cards from Saving Innocence for school clothes, and work on communication with E and her mother through counseling. E attended Empowerment events and activities offered by the community. During this time E was placed in a short term shelter but later returned back to the care of mother. She had stabilized at home and we were prepared to close her case.

In early 2016, she was again picked up by law enforcement, and we re-engaged on a more regular basis. E stated that she was ready to get herself on the right track, so Jasmine assisted by helping her set goals and offering incentives once these goals were completed. Jasmine helped E apply to a student event called the BET Experience. This event allowed students interested in the music and entertainment business to go to an award show and network with people in the entertainment industry. Jasmine also helped E with a video entry talking about her inspiration.  Jasmine encouraged and praised E for staying on track and working towards her goals. Also during this time, E was having regular family sessions with her mother and even successful home passes.  Jasmine even took E to try out for “The Voice”, where she had the opportunity to showcase her talents.

This year, E went on to graduate high school, and obtained a job. E is currently attending a local community college and is on track to transfer to a four year university in 2 years. E still keeps in contact with Jasmine and still likes to be a part of the events, especially if they involve singing and dancing.

While this success story took years of support for this young woman through her recovery, we recognize there are hundreds more of these stories in process. We so appreciate the support of our partners who come alongside us to help these youth accomplish their goals, and we love that we get to play a part in their story.