"We're moving forward in a healthy way."

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Crystal, who was eager to share her story on how Wraparound, through Aspiranet, provided her entire family with hope, support, resources, understanding, encouragement and tools to improve their lives. They are all together now, Crystal and the kids: Lysa, age 15; Scarlett, age 12; Delilah, age 1; and Xaiver, age 6. Her mother, Rhonda, also joined us for the interview.

“My kids and I were homeless for 4-5 years”, Crystal began in sharing how her journey led her to Wraparound. “I was also struggling with addiction when, finally, Child Welfare Services (CWS) got involved, and my youngest, Xavier, was taken into care.

“The family was shattered, and I entered a rehab program for addiction.”

For Crystal, this was the beginning of the healing process necessary to move in a positive direction.

While in rehab and the aftercare shelter program, she engaged in all the services offered.

“I was motivated to reunite my family,” she said. “Once I moved into shelter care, CWS placed Xavier back with me.”

Crystal was offered Wraparound services in Sept. 2023. She quickly bought in to the services available.

“They helped me develop a plan of action,” she said. “I felt supported and more hopeful.”

Maria, the parent partner, was instrumental in helping Crystal get the proper services Xavier needed in the school setting, assisting Crystal to request an evaluation and a 504 plan to develop the best treatment/learning options.

Samual was the Wraparound counselor for Xavier.

“[Samual] was really like a father figure,” Crystal recalled, “and Xaiver responded. Samual taught him better ways to understand and express his feelings. He helped Xavier express himself in many ways.”

Crystal gave an example of a pottery project Samual worked on with Xavier, helping him plant sunflower seeds, which symbolized new growth.

“It was really meaningful, and Xavier was able to focus and get excited.”

Crystal was equally grateful to Maria, her parent partner.

“She provided so much support,” said Crystal, “helping guide me in the right direction, [and] when I needed her just to hold my hand.”

I felt supported and more hopeful.

Crystal spoke about the frequent Wraparound team meetings that included her three girls, Xavier, and many times, her mother, Rhonda.

“Marcos (our facilitator) helped us all work together,” she said. “The girls had a voice there, and [they] learned ways to understand and deal with Xavier’s behaviors. We kept moving in a positive direction.”

Crystal shared proudly, “Milestones happened and goals were met!”

Some of the milestones included the family obtaining housing of their own, with the entire family now under one roof, as well as CWS closing their case in July 2024.

Crystal was happy to share that Xavier has improved a great deal with the help of his team, doctor, therapist and school staff. His 504 plan has made it possible for him to extend his school day, and the right services are in place.

“All our family members have a better understanding of how to help Xavier succeed and understand his needs,” shared Crystal. “The kids have developed a close bond and help each other out.”

“I am taking care of my needs and those of the kids,” she added. “I’m able to move forward in a healthy way.”

Crystal identified her biggest personal accomplishments as having two full years of sobriety and staying connected to supportive resources/services.

We kept moving in a positive direction.

Rhonda, Crystal’s mother who also participated in the interview, shared that she has seen her daughter grow immensely.

“I am grateful how everything and everyone worked together towards a goal,” said Rhonda. “There are still many challenges, but we feel confident in managing them. I am super proud of [Crystal]. I’m so grateful to be part of this story.”

Crystal now shares her story with other families and frequently attends Aspiranet’s A Parent Café, a resource provided to Wraparound families to engage and support one another as they journey through challenges. According to Crystal, the supportive environment offers a safe place to share and learn new skills, resources and tools. The kids also have their own time to be together as their parents meet.

“We can connect there with all the parent partners and counselors,” shared Crystal, “make a social connection, unwind, focus on feelings and thoughts and be together as a community.”

Crystal shared that she feels like she had to go through what she did in her past in order to restore her family to a healthy level. “We’re moving forward in a healthy way; I am so blessed!”