Member stories
Renee's Story
Where Our Member Started
We started at one of the most challenging points in a family’s journey, separation. My member was involved with the child welfare system, facing multiple barriers that often seem insurmountable: supervised visitation, court mandates, housing instability, and the weight of parole. She was separated from her children and tasked with navigating a system that can be overwhelming, especially while working to heal, grow, and rebuild trust.
There were parenting classes to complete, anger management requirements, and the looming uncertainty of drug testing and housing. But despite all of it, she showed up—consistently. Even on the hardest days, she didn’t give up. That’s where we started: at the intersection of adversity and determination.
How Heritage Helped
Heritage provided more than services—we offered a foundation of support, accountability, and hope. Through every step of her reunification journey, our team stood beside her, offering guidance, encouragement, and resources tailored to her needs.
- We connected her to parenting and anger management programs that not only met court requirements but also truly helped her grow as a parent and individual.
- We advocated for her in court, ensuring that her progress was seen and acknowledged.
- We walked with her through the housing process, supporting her as she secured a brand-new two-bedroom home that will soon welcome her children.
- We reminded her of her worth, even on the days she questioned it herself.
Heritage believed in her long before the system did. And today, that belief has paid off.
From supervised visits to unsupervised time with her children…
From housing insecurity to a new home…
From parole to freedom…
This is what transformation looks like when it’s rooted in real support. Heritage helped her not just comply with the system but overcome it.
Member Outcome
June 6th, 2025 in court marked a powerful turning point in my member’s journey to bring her family back together. After months of unwavering dedication and hard work, she was officially granted reunification. A major milestone that reflects the incredible progress she has made.
The court acknowledged her consistent efforts, including the successful completion of both parenting and anger management classes. These programs have helped her grow not only as a parent but also as a person, proving her readiness to take on full responsibility for her children.
In recognition of her progress, she was also granted unsupervised visits, allowing her to spend meaningful, quality time with her children in a more natural and trusting environment. It’s a clear sign that the system recognizes her capacity to safely and lovingly care for them.
At that time, one final step remained: a drug test on demand, which would only be required after securing stable housing. And now, as of August 1st, Mom is officially housed in a brand-new one-bedroom home, providing a safe, stable environment ready to welcome her children.
She is now awaiting her next court date, where the final steps toward full reunification will be decided. With a roof over her head, services completed, and consistent progress demonstrated, everything is finally aligning.
That June court hearing wasn’t just a legal milestone, it was a recognition of transformation. My member has proven that with determination, support, and an unshakable commitment to growth, families can heal. Her children will soon return not just to a house, but to a home and to a mother who never stopped fighting for them.
And as of midnight that same day June 6th, she officially came off parole. A brand-new chapter has begun and the best is still ahead.