Wraparound is Like "One big hug!"

This story begins with a little girl named Willow.

By the age of seven, Willow had already experienced a lifetime of neglect, rejection, trauma and loss. Although she didn’t fully understand her biological family’s struggles, their impact shaped how she saw the world and her ability to connect with others. Deep down, Willow longed for a family who would understand her needs and give her a place to belong, but she didn’t know how to find it on her own.

This is also the story of another little girl, Breanna, who was the same age as Willow, and an amazing friend. Unlike Willow, Breanna grew up secure in a loving home with her parents, Marisol and Rudy, who taught her to embrace and accept others. As her mom describes, Breanna has always had a “big heart.”

Breanna and Willow’s friendship quickly blossomed. They shared interests, laughed together and enjoyed each other’s company. Breanna never judged Willow; she simply accepted her for who she was. 

When Willow lost her last foster placement, Breanna was determined to help. She rallied her family, saying she wanted Willow to be “my sister forever.”

Marisol and Rudy didn’t hesitate. Already aware of “the system” and its challenges, they welcomed Willow into their home as an emergency foster placement. 

You don’t forget abandonment and neglect, but you can change your future.

Rudy, dad

From the start, it was clear these two girls were meant to grow up together, but getting there wasn’t easy.

“It was an unsettling and scary time for all of us,” Marisol recalled. “We were going through a lot, and Willow and Breanna were struggling too. It was a rocky road—but then Wraparound stepped in and provided guidance and support from day one.”

Wraparound services supported the family at home, in school and in the community. Willow also received tutoring, special education services and counseling, while the whole family learned tools to communicate, cope and heal together. Marisol, a teacher’s aide, used her skills to help the family adjust.

Willow’s CASA worker, Tina, became a trusted ally. She built a special connection with both girls, helping them learn each other’s triggers and develop healthy ways to resolve conflict. She also offered encouragement to Marisol when times were tough.

Rudy played his own important role. As someone who had faced adversity through the form of addiction in the past, he used his lived experience to help Willow make sense of her feelings. “You don’t forget abandonment and neglect,” he told her, “but you can change your future.”

According to Marisol and Rudy, the Wraparound team provided countless resources and practical tools. “They gave us a guidebook and we still use it!” Marisol said. “The greatest gift was knowing that with Wraparound support, we could make it. We built a support system for ourselves. They provided so many tools that expanded our skills and knowledge. Wraparound truly was like one big hug.”

The greatest gift was knowing that with Wraparound support, we could make it.

Marisol, mom

Looking back, Marisol reflected, “In the beginning, there was nothing but chaos, and now we are all in sync. We’ve come back as one unit.”

Today, the family not only celebrates their success but also helps others along the way. With the help of natural supports and community connections, Willow has been officially adopted. Now Willow and Breanna, both ten, are happy to be together—sisters forever.

Marisol credits Breanna’s courage for their family’s success. “She wasn’t afraid to speak up for a friend in need,” she said, “and that changed everything.”