Angela’s first baby was born when she was only 15 years old. Her mother told her, “If you are old enough to make a baby, then you are old enough to raise one,” and kicked her out of the house. Scared and alone with nowhere else to go, Angela moved in with her boyfriend. Too young and immature to be without a parent, she dropped out of school and began using marijuana daily. The only friends she had led her down a path to further drug use.

Soon Angela was pregnant again, and her boyfriend moved out. She continued to use drugs, and it wasn’t long before a neighbor called Child Protective Services. Her daughter was taken away and Angela was devastated. She agreed to go into treatment immediately.

When she arrived at Family Works, the first thing Angela wanted to know was how she could get her daughter back—she would do whatever it took. She complied with every rule. She volunteered for every task. She worked hard at treatment, and earned her way to Drug Court. Angela’s mother agreed to attend counseling sessions with her, and they began to break down the wall that had kept them apart for so long. Most important, Angela’s new son was born drug-free. Three months after starting family outreach, Angela’s daughter was placed back with her at Family Works. A month later, the young family moved into a supportive housing program. Angela continues to return to Family Works for weekly aftercare sessions. She, her mother, and the children are a family again—and Angela has a second chance to be a good mom.

Click here to learn more about the Family Works program, its outcomes, and the ways you can help and share in the joy of making a real difference.