Growing up, learning to cook a simple meal like fried chicken became a significant step towards independence for Isabella. “The first time I ever made fried chicken, the outside was so delicious. The inside was raw,” she recalls, highlighting her initial foray into self-sufficiency facilitated by children’s family services. These services, including transitional housing support, provided her with essential resources like gift cards for Walmart and Target to furnish her room. This experience, shopping for her own bedding and towels with guidance from her social worker, marked a pivotal moment in Isabella’s life, allowing her to express personal preferences and establish a space that was truly her own.
For Isabella, who often prioritized her five younger siblings, children’s family services became a crucial support system focused on her individual needs. She emphasizes the invaluable role of her social workers: “My social workers were always great. Knowing I’m the oldest, telling me to take care of myself first.” This consistent encouragement to prioritize self-care, coupled with their efforts to involve her siblings in her life where appropriate, demonstrated a holistic and understanding approach. Crucially, during a challenging time when her family was separated, her social worker ensured the siblings remained together, providing stability and reassurance amidst upheaval.
Beyond immediate support, children’s family services opened doors to opportunities that profoundly shaped Isabella’s future. Her social workers introduced her to a Business Development Internship, a program specifically designed for youth. This paid internship not only provided her with valuable work experience but also led to a fulfilling, long-term career. For four years, Isabella has been employed in a role where she supports others who have faced similar circumstances, effectively giving back to the system that once aided her.
Isabella passionately advocates for greater awareness of such programs: “The internship is a great internship for youth – I just want it to get spread out more so more youth to be aware of it.” She underscores the transformative potential of children’s family services and the profound impact of social workers who dedicate themselves to understanding and mentoring young people. By believing in young individuals and recognizing their potential, these services empower them to overcome adversity and build brighter futures. Isabella’s story stands as a testament to the life-changing power of children’s family services and the unwavering support they provide to vulnerable youth.
