Wraparound: A Blessing in Disguise
Jesus and Cassie, along with their toddler Xavier, were proud to share their Wraparound journey with Lynne Jones, field consultant at the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice. We are excited to uplift their story of resilience, courage, faith and hope.
Shortly after Xavier’s birth, he was placed in Child Protective Services (CPS) custody. His mother, Cassie, entered a 90-day residential substance abuse treatment program. Unfortunately, the only one available that could meet her needs was in Northern California, while Xavier’s father, Jesus, had to remain in Southern California.
Xavier was eventually reunited with Cassie halfway through her program, with support from Wraparound. That, Cassie said, is when “the hard work began.” She completed treatment with Xavier in her care.
Cassie and Jesus were candid about the challenges they faced. Their relationship had once revolved around drug use, and Cassie had struggled with addiction, homelessness and instability for years.
“In the past,” Jesus said, “we didn’t know how to deal with problems. We would just get high.”
Wraparound helped change that. It supported Jesus in relocating to Northern California to be with his family. Though he was hesitant at first—“I didn’t really want to be in another program,” he admitted—he gave it a chance after a conversation with their Wraparound facilitator, Sal.
“Wraparound helped shore us up,” said Cassie. “They got us into substance abuse counseling, therapy and Narcotics Anonymous. It was a choice, not a requirement.”
Once sober, they realized staying that way—and building a stable life—required deeper work.
“We had to work on our relationship if this was going to work,” Cassie said. “We learned how to communicate in couples therapy. It helped us see and solve problems differently.”
Cassie said Wraparound quickly proved different from what she expected.
“It made me put my trust back into the County,” she said. “I felt welcomed.”
After completing the treatment program, Cassie and Xavier moved into transitional housing.
“That helped the most,” she said. “It was a start in the right direction.”
Jesus highlighted all the ways Wraparound had helped, including housing, transportation, support with court fines and fees, groceries, therapy, continued substance use treatment, problem-solving strategies and emotional support.
“We were overwhelmed at the beginning,” he said, “but the [Wraparound] team helped us manage the changes step by step.”
Cassie remembered feeling nervous when she first met Sal.
“But he came across as sincere and really wanted to help us succeed,” she said. “I started opening up. He would go to bat for us with the agencies.”
Everyone worked together with us to help find solutions to challenges. Cassie
She described Sal as “a solid supporter” who encouraged them even when they stumbled.
“He was proud of us, and we felt it. We’re proud of ourselves too.”
With Sal’s help, Cassie and Jesus built a robust Wraparound team of more than 15 people—social workers, substance abuse counselors, Crossroads NA, therapists, housing committee representatives, a Wraparound parent partner and family members.
“The team helped us brainstorm and create goals,” said Jesus.
“Everyone worked together with us to help find solutions to challenges,” added Cassie.
Together, they developed a set of goals that reflected their hopes and priorities:
- Recovery first and ongoing
- Stable and safe housing
- “Building my empire” (creating support and opportunities)
- “For the family to be together and stay together!”
Some goals were long-term, such as steady employment, a permanent apartment and reliable transportation. Achieving those goals has brought financial stability and a growing sense of independence.
“I have confidence now that we can do this,” said Cassie.
“Wraparound was a blessing in disguise,” Jesus added. “It’s been 1.5 years and we’ve exceeded our original goals. We’ll graduate soon, but we know Wraparound will still be there. We have the motivation to keep going."
He emphasized the personal transformation that came with the journey.
“Sal reminds us we did all the work. We believe that now. But we also know he always had our backs.”
Cassie and Jesus hope other families will give Wraparound a chance.
“They are there to help you succeed,” said Cassie. “They don’t judge. They guide you to a new beginning.”
“There are no surprises,” Jesus added. “You feel like you’re taking back your life. We learned that no one’s perfect. There’s a balance.”
Looking ahead, the couple continues to work on their relationship and maintain sobriety. Cassie, now a certified In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) worker, also has a job in retail and hopes to become a Wraparound parent partner someday.
“I want a chance to give back when I’m ready,” she said.
Jesus, who is also employed, recently completed a successful reunification with his 11-year-old and is working toward full custody. Cassie has three other children living with their biological father, and she and Jesus are building those relationships too.
As they prepare to graduate from Wraparound, the family says they feel ready for the next chapter—and grateful to know Wraparound will be there if they need support in the future.