In January of 2026, the program received a referral for two students whose mother had returned home from incarceration. The family was experiencing transition as they attempted to gain housing stability and work to rebuild their life together. The program was able to respond immediately by conducting an intake, assessing urgent needs, and connecting the family to basic needs resources, including food, clothing, and hygiene items.
In addition to meeting these immediate needs, staff began providing therapeutic mentoring to support the students’ emotional well-being and adjustment. Recognizing the students’ interest in music, staff incorporated a creative approach by helping them develop a shared “family playlist” as a tool for emotional expression. Songs such as “Control” by Zoe Wees and “Simple Things” by Teddy Swims supported the development of emotional vocabulary. They provided a meaningful way for the students to process and communicate their experiences. The students engaged in weekly case management and, within a few weeks, reported feeling courageous and expressed hope for their future. The student in high school began applying to colleges, and the student in middle school joined an after-school club to make friends again. Sometimes hope looks like doing everyday things, but with the expectation that it will all work out this time.
45 days after entering programming, the school staff reported that both students were able to focus more consistently in class and that attendance had improved, indicating increased stability and engagement in the school environment. These changes reflect the impact of meeting basic needs while also providing consistent emotional support through therapeutic mentoring.
The program continues to work with the family to support stabilization, school engagement, and connection to longer-term housing and community resources.