Hilltoppers,
For today’s update I wanted to share an amazing story from Lindsey, a Family Resource Center client. She and her family were facing great difficulties and they turned to Hilltop for help. Many of our incredible staff pulled together to offer coordinated support that made a real difference in their lives. With everything going on right now, it’s important to remember what we do matters. Together we are helping to change lives and build a stronger community.
Mike
Hilltop: What was going on in your life that caused you to reach out to Hilltop?
Lindsey: I was struggling as a parent and fighting for sobriety for the first time in my life. As a single parent of three children and working full time as a Registered Nurse, I found myself experiencing a tremendous amount of financial stress. I began to focus more on my career to gain financial stability, and was not as focused on the children as I should have been. I began to realize I needed guidance and education to help improve my parenting skills. My oldest son was struggling with the changes that occur with puberty. My youngest son was diagnosed with epilepsy at age nine and it was challenging, emotionally and physically, for the entire family to understand that he had been suffering for years and none of us ever knew. I had a lot of guilt and shame. Thanks to my true sobriety, I was able to see clearly I needed professional help for the entire family.
Hilltop: How did you hear about Hilltop?
Lindsey: I called 911 asking for help and was put in contact with a Child Protective Services (CPS) case manager who referred me to Hilltop, where I first spoke with Mickie Vaill, referral coordinator with the Family Resource Center. I had worked with Hilltop previously when I needed help understanding how to properly install a car seat just prior to my daughter’s birth in 2016.
Hilltop: What Hilltop programs/services did you utilize?
Lindsey: My family began intervention with the Family Tree Resource Center using the multisystemic therapy approach. I enrolled in the Love and Logic parenting class with Darcy Wilson where I recognized I had a lot of work to do, and I admitted my efforts as a parent were exhausted and I needed to develop a better plan. I began to see my two boys with Supervised Parenting Time coordinated with specialist Keri Brice. I also began to meet with Hilltop Family Resource Center’s family navigator Denise Rodriguez. Denise was the voice of reason, available every time I called, emailed, or texted her. She was the positive, professional support I needed to help remain calm and grounded. Denise then referred me to SafeCare with Jennifer Vemmer who has been coming into my home to work with me and my three year old daughter, teaching me knew parenting skills that foster a therapeutic relationship. Jennifer encouraged me to understand I am a good mom, she is a positive cheerleader helping me keep my head up as there were many times I believed I was failing. Denise has even helped coordinate additional resources outside of Hilltop including STRIVE and MindSprings.
Hilltop: How did these programs/services help you?
Lindsey: Darcy Wilson taught me the importance of listening and validating my children’s feelings. Denise Rodriguez helped me remain grounded, teaching me coping skills and emotional regulation. Jennifer Vemmer exemplified patience while teaching me how to remain calm, set expectations, praise my children, and focus on positive behaviors.
Hilltop: What did this help mean to you?
Lindsey: I have a chance to restore the relationship with my sons and I have been given the opportunity to prevent the same pattern from occurring with my daughter. I have the support to move forward believing in myself. If I had not received the assistance that I did from these specific individuals, I would have failed. I have so much appreciation and love for Hilltop who helped me climb not just one hill, but many. These strong professionals who helped me throughout this process are beyond
deserving of recognition and should be acknowledged for their consistent efforts to help lift me. I am beginning to breathe again, and the tears I cry are happy tears, no longer tears of hopelessness. Thank you so much, I will forever never forget any of you!
