HOW CRITICAL SUPPORT SPARKED REMARKABLE CHANGE FOR A FAMILY IN CRISIS
The thing Kayla had worried about for so long was about to happen. We may not have a home tonight.
She had finally found a good place for her and her son, Eli, to live – an income-based apartment that would be steady, affordable. The fresh start they needed.
But complications were preventing their move-in, and solving it might take days they didn’t have to spare.
At the same time, troubles at school had only ramped up for Eli. Only five years old and he was already getting sent home or unable to attend several times a week. He was constantly overwhelmed with his big feelings and sensory issues. His anger often turned destructive, and Kayla knew it wasn’t safe for anyone.
They had just been connected with case management at DABSJ, and the help was needed now.
COORDINATION THAT’S CRUCIAL
Case management is simple in theory – and life-changing in practice. It means someone comes alongside a family and helps them navigate the systems that can feel impossible to untangle alone. Housing, employment, school, benefits, healthcare, appointments, applications. Basic needs that mean stability and safety.
It’s sitting down together and getting things done. And when everything feels overwhelming, it means you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. For a single parent like Kayla, that would make all the difference.
STABLE GROUND
The first priority was immediate: housing. With a worker advocating on her behalf, Kayla was able to move into the new apartment in time. The fear of “where will we sleep?” was replaced with a key in her hand.
From there, they turned toward Eli’s needs.
The case manager helped connect Kayla to testing, where Eli was diagnosed with a mood disorder. Suddenly, there was language for what had been so challenging. That understanding gave a direction – and with a new school by their new apartment, Eli started getting the appropriate supports. Occupational therapy at school, staff who understood, and strategies to help regulate his body when emotions ran high.
That help created a remarkable change. Eli started staying for the full school day. Five days a week.
Kayla was shocked how quickly the pieces aligned. It had only been a matter of months – and yet, life felt so different.
It’s what can happen when families get the support they need. And that is possible because of you.
Thank you for helping stabilize families like Kayla and Eli’s – and for making sure that change is possible, sometimes faster than anyone expected.
Learn more about DABSJ’s case management, and other family preservation services here.
