After years of abuse, she filed a protective order against her ex-husband. Then, she lost her job due to layoffs, which left her struggling to support herself and her two young children. While she quickly found multiple jobs to make ends meet, finances were tight, and she was in danger of falling behind on rent.
“I was scared and didn’t know where to look,” Tammy said. “I didn’t know where to turn.”
Tammy recalls feeling that she couldn’t catch a break — until she was referred to CAPS’ Center for Nurturing Families. This family support program provides in-home case management for any Elkhart County parent and works to help families identify and access existing supports to meet their needs.
With the help of her case manager, Tammy’s most urgent needs were prioritized. She received one-time financial support to help get her caught up on rent and meals from Cultivate Food Rescue freezer at CAPS for her and her children. Once her family’s basic needs were met, Tammy was able to focus on being the mother she always aspired to be and enrolled in one of our parenting classes at CAPS.
“Tammy bloomed into a confident parent.”
— Shelly, CAPS case manager
“The parenting classes gave me more confidence as a parent. I can do this. I can be a good mom.” Tammy said. “My kids and I are closer than we’ve ever been.”
Tammy’s case manager, Shelly*, said she was in awe of Tammy’s dedication to build a better life for her and her kids.
“She persevered and tried different parenting techniques and it gave her so much confidence,” Shelly said. “She bloomed into a confident parent.”
Tammy was also able to find a full-time job that paid enough to cover her bills and more. She talks about the joy she has now that she has time with her kids to cook meals and watch their favorite show, “The Great British Baking Show.”
“It’s such a relief, knowing that me and my kids are going to be OK after not knowing for so long and being so scared of losing it all,” Tammy said.
Our work at CAPS is to be there for parents like Tammy, when they feel like they just can’t catch a break and are on the verge of crisis With your help, we can help more families. Donate here.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.