Impact Update
From Struggle to Strength: How Parenting Matters Helped One Mom Change Everything
This November at Sangarita Showdown, our supporters watched a powerful video testimonial from Kristen, a mom whose journey reflects the transformative work of Parenting Matters.
Growing up in a home marked by addiction and instability, Kristen never learned what healthy parenting looked like. By the age of 15, she was battling drug addiction herself. She left high school early, married young hoping to fill the void, and became a mother at 21. But addiction continued to follow her into adulthood, leading to the heartbreaking moment when her youngest son, Javonte, was placed in foster care.
“That was when I knew I needed to change my life,” Kristen said.
She entered a recovery program and was connected with Parenting Matters’ Parent Partner Program.
Kristen worked with Parenting Educator Kayla, who met her exactly where she was on her parenting journey. Rather than offering generic advice, Kayla came into her home and provided real-time guidance tailored to her family’s needs. Kristen recalls moments when her son would scream uncontrollably and Kayla would sit beside her, helping her learn new strategies in the moment.
“It was amazing to have someone come into our environment, see what we were struggling with, and help me with practical things,” Kristen shared. “She didn’t just help week after week—she stayed connected even after I graduated. She became a trusted friend.”
Today, Kristen is thriving.
She regained full custody of her son, her Department of Children and Families (DCF) case is closed, and she’s now the Program Director of His Girls’ Discipleship, mentoring other women and partnering with Parenting Matters to support families in the community.
“I’m an amazing parent to my children,” she said with pride.
Kristen’s transformation is proof of what happens when families are met with compassion, support, and practical tools. Parenting Matters doesn’t just teach parenting skills; we help break cycles, rebuild confidence, and restore hope.
This is the impact of Parenting Matters: Empowering parents, strengthening families, changing futures.
If you couldn’t join us this year but believe in the importance of strengthening families, please consider making a gift at ParentingMattersFL.org/Donate. Your support helps ensure that every child has the chance to thrive.