True Stories of Hope, Change and Redemption

Elizabeth’s Story: A New Beginning

Elizabeth and her husband had a violent altercation that her young son witnessed. When he called his own father a “monster,” she knew she and her children couldn’t stay in the house any longer. She fled for her own safety and for her children’s.

But the rest of the story wasn’t easy or fast. It took Elizabeth two and a half years and the patient support of her KCSL case worker for Elizabeth to ultimately decide to divorce her husband. KCSL also helped her get access to resources and connect her with organizations that could assist with basic needs like food, diapers and mental health services. She credits KCSL with empowering her to make her own decisions, advocate for her children’s health and complete nursing school in an accelerated program. She’s now a confident mom to her two sons, ready for what the future will bring. Not only are her children safe, she’s modeling healthy behaviors for her sons to emulate when they are adults with their own families.

Junior’s Story: Redemption Is Possible

Junior’s childhood trauma—being exposed to drugs, alcohol and gang violence—triggered harmful and destructive behaviors in his personal relationships. Handling his son’s behavior issues with violence was all he knew. But the shame he felt for his actions and for losing custody of his son was overwhelming. He wanted to change.

Junior’s turnaround came when KCSL entered his life. He learned that his behavior toward his spouse was an example to his children. He learned how to show his values without violence, how to show love. With time, patience and consistency, he eventually earned back his son’s trust that he would never hit him again.

Junior says that parenting is still challenging, but it’s better now that he’s engaged with himself and his children. His son sees an example of a good husband and father, and the cycle of violence is broken. KCSL truly changed his life and his family’s future.

Alexis’ Story: Breaking a Destructive Pattern

Alexis’ home life in Indiana was a nightmare. Her father was abusive when home, and was incarcerated much of the time. Her mother was rarely there for her. School was her last priority and her grandparents didn’t know how to handle or help her. She suffered two sexual assaults that shattered her mental health and spiraled her into drug use. By the time she relocated to Kansas, her usage was out of control.

Her KCSL case workers helped her get clean and repair her relationship with her grandparents. She now has support, a job and hope. She’s thankful to KCSL that she has her family back. With help, she has changed a destructive pattern of behavior into a new and positive future.

Ann’s Story: Out of the Darkest Moment

When Ann lost custody of her infant son to foster care, she was devastated. It seemed there was no one who believed in her or could help her. KCSL gave her tools, resources and guidance to reclaim her motherhood.

“KCSL changed my life,” says Ann. KCSL was instrumental in helping Ann become a better, more confident mom fully capable of giving her son a loving and safe home. She credits KCSL with not just helping her become a better mom, but helping her become a better person.

Andrea’s Story: When Everyone Else Gives Up on You

Sometimes people need KCSL more than once. Andrea’s problems started in high school. Drug and alcohol abuse haunted Andrea for years. She experienced foster care as a teen, and subsequently became a teen mother, ultimately giving her first born up for adoption.

Andrea’s powerful story shows how she needed KCSL for a period of time in order to be drug-free for her children and repair her relationship with her parents. She now feels relief and joy knowing that she’s a good mom. “Thank God that I am clean for my children,” says Andrea. Now her children have a healthy environment and promising future.