MW

I was a teenager when my struggle with addiction began. It may have been due to an unaddressed trauma and only having negative coping mechanisms, however my drug addiction led to abusing meth and making poor choices for myself and my family. My children were taken into the of social services in October 2020.

Despite the beginning stages being beyond difficult, my local department of social services cheered me on the entire time. Specifically, my caseworker, Cannon Morris, was a huge advocate and source of strength for myself and my family. The resilience my caseworker exhibited inspired me to continue with the program and seek additional help.

I was determined to put myself through a drug rehab program. While I was there, I had a video call with my son and had a flashback to when I was in foster care. I remembered having similar conversations and my mom saying, "I'll see you soon," and it did not happen. From that moment, I decided that I did not want to make false promises to my kids. I wanted my kids back - I wanted ME back.

Through perseverance and hard work, I was reunified with all of my children! I hope to continue sharing my story with others in the community so they know that success can happen. I want other parents going through a similar situation to know that reunification is possible.

- M.W.