Homeward House Update for 2025 Print Version - FINAL-2 - Flipbook - Page 10
Family Profile
From Falling Apart to Finding Their Way
When Jessica (name changed) became homeless and pregnant with her second
child, her world felt like it was falling apart. Struggling with a substance use
disorder, she lost custody of her 1-year-old daughter 4 a pivotal moment that
left her feeling hopeless. It was during this difficult time that Jessica was
referred to Homeward House.
Once engaged with Homeward House, she was paired with a Parent Ally Mentor who became her
steadfast guide and advocate, connecting her to the right resources at the right time
and helping her find a path forward. Parent Ally Mentors are at the heart of Homeward
House services. With their own lived experiences 4 having walked similar
paths, overcome challenges, and undergone specialized
training 4 they are uniquely equipped to build trust
and inspire hope.
For Jessica, her mentor was a lifeline 4 helping
her find shelter, start treatment, attend
parenting classes, and access prenatal care for
her new pregnancy.
With her mentor9s guidance, Jessica secured housing through
YWCA9s Project Reunite and began a trial return-home period with
her daughter. Just three weeks later, she went into labor. At the
hospital, Jessica found herself without family or friends to lean
on. But she wasn9t alone4she had a team of familiar and
supportive faces: two parent mentors and a social worker by her
side, providing the care and encouragement she needed.
Homeward House serves as a hub, bringing together the unique
wraparound services each family needs to rebuild and thrive. A
dedicated team helped Jessica set up her new home,
accompanied her to medical appointments for her infant, who
required specialized care, and connected her with an infant
mental health specialist from Child Strive for postpartum support.
Jessica discovered that change isn9t just a dream 4 it9s an
achievable reality. Today, she is grateful to experience stability
with her infant by her side and is on her way to being reunited
with her older daughter.
*Social Worker with the Office of Public Defense.
