crisis support for families

Teen Mom and Infant Find Stability and Hope 

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Earlier this year, Kindred Connections received a call about a 16-year-old mother who had spent most of her life in foster care. She adored her two-month-old son, but like many young parents who have grown up without stable, supportive adults, she faced overwhelming challenges. Youth in foster care who become parents often struggle to stay connected with their babies, not because of a lack of love, but because they have little experience with consistent caregiving themselves. Without the right support, it can be difficult for young families to remain safely together. 

When Kindred Connections met this young mom, she was doing her best in circumstances no teenager should have to navigate alone. She had very few adults she could trust, very few relationships that affirmed her, and she was deeply afraid of being separated from her son. As she held him, tears landing softly on his blanket, she made the courageous decision to trust Kindred Connections to help her keep her little family intact. 

What happened next felt nothing short of miraculous. A Host Family stepped forward immediately, opening their home so the baby could be cared for safely while mom received the support she needed. After just a week of stabilizing with Kindred Connections, mother and son were able to transition together into a residential program where she could begin healing, build parenting skills, and continue nurturing the bond she already had with her baby. 

Thanks to the immediate response of the Host Family and the wraparound support from Kindred Connections, this young mom moved from crisis to connection – and toward a future where she and her child can grow together. 

Learn more about Kindred Connections

A Home For Logan

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A call recently came to Kindred Connections from an attorney working to help a teen through a time of crisis. The boy’s life at home had been a struggle, and he had been kicked out, through no fault of his own. This young boy (we’ll call him Logan) was heading to Oregon Youth Challenge Program (OYCP) and had no place to live for the month before he started his program.

Logan’s lawyer had called 20 different agencies in their county, but could not find a place for him to live for the month before his move to Bend. He then called Kindred Connections and after reaching out to the volunteers a couple stepped forward ready to bring Logan into their home and lives.

Over the next weeks this couple helped Logan get a short-term job, a gym pass, new insurance, and complete many of his OYCP requirements and they showed Logan love. When he left their home to transition to another host home (they had vacation plans), they told Logan that they would continue to be in his life. Logan said “Wow…I didn’t expect them to say that. I thought I didn’t have anyone in my life I could count on and now I have them. They are kind of like parents now.”

These moments remind us that Kindred Connections volunteers seek to shine love on those hurting, in need, and struggling, and they do this as volunteers, without anything in return. These volunteers offer time, resources, open their homes and continue to give selflessly. It is a joy for all of us to witness…and the volunteers always say they are the ones blessed when hosting a youth.

Ashley’s Success

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Cascade Youth & Family Center (CYFC) received a crisis referral call from a family in Bend. ‘Ashley’ was heading in a dangerous direction, and the family needed help. Ashley had run away from home several times, she was on probation, and falling behind in school credits. The family had explosive parent – youth conflicts, further deteriorating trust on both sides. To give her and her family space to de-escalate their crisis, Ashley entered our emergency shelter program at CYFC where she was able to accomplish several things.

Ashley began working hard to complete her community service and get off probation. She began catching up on school credits and reengaged in school, excelling in her academics. Ashley  also got a part time job. She became a resident of Living Options For Teens (LOFT), our longer-term transitional living shelter which provides a stable home for youth and was a better option for Ashley during this time. While living at the LOFT, Ashley became involved with various services from community partners such as mental health services, local dental and vision services, as well starting the process to be matched with a mentor through our Big Brothers Big Sisters program. 

During her stay, Ashley and her family participated in multiple family mediations and ultimately, she was able to go home to a safe environment. She took with her new coping skills such as boundary setting, communicating clearly with family members, emotional regulation and de-escalation skills. Ashley had learned to advocate for herself. Her family was also equipped with better communication tools and resources to turn  to, including a team of case workers who will continue to be available to support the family. Ashley is now on track to graduate! She has prioritized ways to develop  herself, and, hopes to go college with her sights on becoming  a social worker.

Families in Need

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Kindred Connections helps kids find their way to adulthood. The staff and volunteers recently helped teenager, Sherrie, move to a host family when she needed to find an alternative living space away from an alcoholic father. Sherrie finished high school this year and is preparing for college. Kindred Connections staff and volunteers helped Sherrie complete a FASFA application for college and find stable housing. She is on her way toward self-sufficiency!

Kindred Connections rallies around families in need. When families face challenges we offer the help they need to find their way through the storm.  For Misty, support allowed her to find her footing as a single mother in the middle of a divorce. Volunteers helped Misty with transportation to appointments, taking kids for activities like ice skating and ice cream and provided child care while Misty studied for Tech school exams. Volunteers even brought fire wood and meals on hectic nights. This family is now stable and safe and have developed a network of support families to lean on when needed.

Thanks to our Donors for supporting kids and families by supporting Kindred Connections!