I lost both of my parents at a very young age, and by the time I was 10 years old, I had already been placed in over six different foster homes. I never truly knew what it felt like to have a stable family of my own.
At 16, I was emancipated, and by 20, I was a mother of two. I promised myself my children would never experience the same trauma, neglect, and feeling of being lost and alone as I did growing up. But at 21, after the father of my children was killed by gun violence on February 27th, 2022, my entire world fell apart. I became depressed, overwhelmed, and lost without my only support system (him).
After missing three mandatory doctor appointments for my youngest child, CPS showed up at my door and removed my children on March 19th, 2022. It was the most heartbreaking moment/day of my life, outside the day I got the call that my kids’ father was lifeless. I can’t even put into words the exact emotional or mental space I was in during that time. The only thing I can remember is not wanting to get out of bed, eat, answer the phone, or even leave my home. I had no one calling to check on me or visit, except just one friend from a previous foster home, but she had a life of her own and children, so although we would talk from time to time, her support was limited.
Although her support was limited, I’m grateful that she put me in contact with Kiki from Second Family Circle on March 29, 2022. Because from that day forward, my life changed forever. When I say “Kiki stood by me every step of the way. She helped me find employment and housing, attended CHIPS court hearings with me, helped me get to visitation appointments, and supported me through completing my CPS service plan.” I mean just that. Her support and help were unlimited. But most importantly, she never gave up on me, and that was rare for a person like me.
Today, I’ve had my children back home for over three years. Even after in-depth services ended, the support she has always given has never ended. I can still call Kiki today, and she is there for my children and me without hesitation. I share this organization every time I tell my story because Second Family Circle truly became the family I never had/ and always wished I had growing up. The love, support, and resources she provides come from genuine care and kindness.
Kiki, thank you for helping me rebuild my life and my family. People spend their whole lives searching for someone like you, and I’m grateful to have found you.”
— Crystal B.
