Family Success Stories

When families face challenges, they often draw on strengths they may not even realize they have. These stories show how families like yours built on their resilience, found support, and created positive changes for a brighter and more secure future with help from Family Ties of Westchester.

New coping and parenting skills for a determined father

"My young child and I were living in a shelter while I was out of work. My caseworker suggested I sign up for Parenting Education classes. Family Ties’ classes helped me understand about trauma and learn how to respond to my child’s behaviors in a positive way. I feel less stressed and alone, and now I can focus on giving my kid a better life."

Single Father, Family Ties Client

A determined young father turned to Family Ties ready to create a better future for his family.

With our support, he developed new parenting strategies to strengthen his bond with his child, pursued meaningful employment, and connected to essential community resources to find stable housing. Today, he is building the life he envisioned: one filled with stability, hope, and opportunity.

From crisis to advocacy: A mother’s custody battle

"Family Ties helped me as I navigated Family Court and my custody battle, so that my daughter is safe when she visits. I found the confidence to go back to school, and I’m looking into becoming a Family Peer Advocate, so I can support other people who are in similar positions."

Single Mother, a Family Ties Client

After moving back to Westchester with no family nearby, a single mother faced an overwhelming situation. She was living out of her car while navigating custody issues and advocating for her young daughter in Family Court, all on her own.

When she connected with Family Ties, everything began to change. Her Family Peer Advocate provided emotional support, guidance, and vital connections to resources throughout the difficult custody and visitation process.

Today, this resilient mom and her daughter are settled in permanent housing, and she has secured a full-time job, creating the stability they both deserve.

Finding strength on a difficult journey…

"I did not know where to start. I have ongoing health conditions, my kids were facing trouble at school, and I needed support. Family Ties stepped in to help us. I am grateful for having a team that sees me, supports me, and continues to walk with me on this difficult journey."

A Single Mother, Family Ties of Westchester Client

A single mother was facing overwhelming challenges including multiple chronic health conditions, a financial crisis, and the risk of her children being suspended from school.

With the support of a dedicated Family Peer Advocate, she received compassionate guidance, connection to mental health resources for herself and her children, and coaching to help her confidently advocate in school and family court.

Today, thanks to ongoing encouragement from her Family Peer Advocate, she handles crises when they arise, participates in therapy, and successfully advocates for herself.

Rebuilding a foundation after extreme financial challenges

"I was having trouble paying my rent and supporting my son and daughter as a single mother. Family Ties helped me find solutions to manage the situation with my landlord, and I took parenting classes that helped me connect better with my kids. My daughter and I also got referred to mental health therapy that really helped her – that’s a beautiful thing to witness."

Single Mother, Family Ties Client

When a single mother was having difficulties parenting her teen daughter and young son, and felt like she was failing them, she contacted Family Ties for support. These challenges were made worse by a sudden housing crisis, and transportation issues when her car engine failed.

A Family Peer Advocate connected her to concrete supports and therapeutic services, and helped her enroll in our parenting education program.  Despite multiple setbacks, the mother kept showing up, stayed engaged, and never stopped trying.  With encouragement and support from Family Ties, she rediscovered her strengths and built a foundation for a brighter future.

Support and community after a disaster

"The support from Family Ties helped us survive our hardest moments and gave me the strength to keep going. They gave me hope and a community when I felt completely alone."

Mother of two, Family Ties Client

After losing their home in a devastating fire, a mother of two teens with disabilities turned to Family Ties for help.

Her Family Peer Advocate provided immediate connections to emergency assistance and a welcoming community that eased her sense of isolation. She has since joined our bilingual support group and attended the annual Mother’s Retreat, where she found strength, friendship, and hope.

Today, she continues to build resilience, and she has found a supportive network that empowers her family’s healing journey.

From eviction to empowerment

"Family Ties gave me the support and confidence to become a stronger parent and advocate. Their help allowed me to focus on rebuilding our lives instead of being afraid we’d lose everything."

Single Mother, Family Ties Client

After losing her job and facing eviction, a single mother turned to Family Ties for support. Her Family Peer Advocate quickly connected her to community resources that kept her family housed and allowed her to secure new employment.

With ongoing encouragement, she engaged in Family Ties’ parenting program and advocacy efforts. Today, she is an active member of our Parent Advisory Council and has shared her story on a panel highlighting the power of community and family engagement.

Restoring hope and security for a father

"I am so grateful to Family Ties. Today, because of their support, I am a better father to my son, and I have a sense of hope and security."

Single Father, Family Ties Client

A single father was struggling to provide for his teenage son, and fell behind on rent. After being denied assistance by other agencies and fearing eviction, he turned to Family Ties for help.

His Family Peer Advocate connected him to both concrete resources and therapeutic supports, giving him the stability he needed. He also joined our Fathers Support Group, which he credits with restoring his hope and helping him become a more confident, engaged parent.

 

Safety and tools to heal: A family’s path forward

"The support from Family Ties made us feel safe, and helped us develop the tools to heal together when we felt overwhelmed. They stood by us with practical support and hope, turning our deepest struggles into a path forward."

Single Mother, Family Ties Client

A single mother of four was referred to Family Ties by her local school district after experiencing domestic abuse, serious health challenges, and the threat of eviction linked to her children’s behavioral struggles.

Through Wraparound facilitation, her team connected her to Westchester County CSU/Preventive Services, specialized domestic violence support within Family Ties, and parenting education to help her manage her children’s needs.

Rebuilding life and trust after court involvement

Family Ties gave me the tools to turn my life around and rebuild trust with my son. They stood by me through the courts, therapy, and financial struggles, helping me become the parent my child deserves.

Single Father, Family Ties Client

When a criminal charge and neglect case threatened to tear his family apart, a single father turned to Family Ties for help. He received intensive Family Peer Support and guidance while navigating multiple court proceedings.

As he shared his own trauma history, his advocate connected him to a clinician for therapeutic care. After completing our “Building Family Resilience” parenting course, he gained a deeper understanding of trauma and how it shaped his parenting.

Today, he is equipped with the tools and confidence to rebuild his life and provide the stability his child deserves.

Securing critical care for a daughter’s health

“When I had nowhere else to turn, Family Ties helped me find the medical help my daughter desperately needed. Their support lifted a weight off my shoulders and gave me hope to keep fighting for our future.”

Single Mother, Family Ties Client

A young single mother faced a crisis when her insurance denied her claim for her child’s necessary medical equipment. Despite appealing the decision, she couldn’t afford the expensive device, and her daughter’s treatment window was closing.

Family Ties was able to support the family so that the child could receive timely treatment. Relieved and grateful, the mother now sees progress in her daughter’s health, and is continuing to partner with her Family Peer Advocate to build a stable future for her child.

A fresh start and community for a large family

“Wraparound helped us find a safe home, and our team supported us through our hardest times. Their care and help gave our family a fresh start and the hope we needed to rebuild our lives.”

Wraparound Family, Family Ties Client

After a fire and an unfair eviction threatened their stability, a large family turned to Family Ties’ Wraparound program for support.

The family’s Wraparound team quickly connected them to housing assistance, parenting education, and concrete aid which helped them stay together and begin the healing process.

Today, the parents are active members of our Spanish-language parent support group, giving back to the community by sharing their experiences and wisdom with other caregivers facing similar challenges.