Now in our community, children and families are facing an array of social problems, diminishing resources, and increased responsibilities. Often they’re looking for hope and a brighter tomorrow. In Counting On Us, we share the stories of those who have found the inspiration to push forward and overcome the challenges of their lives; like gaining independence, building a family, and healing from trauma. Join producer and host, Daniel Treviño, and learn how they beat adversity with the support and guidance of ACH’s team of caregivers and professionals. Listen now and get inspired!
Episode Description
After foster care, Keya entered college but soon dropped out. With few people to turn to, she felt scared and unsure of what steps to take to support herself; until she found her way to ACH’s LIFE Project. With guidance, Keya nurtures her unique gifts and finds the answer in her quest for independence.
Episode Description
Relationships are the secret ingredient we need to reach our goals. LIFE Project client, Arthur, and ACH Transitions Program Manager, Nick Little, talk about the power of relationships when leading successful and productive lives. They reflect on Keya’s story and share their own thoughts on the program.
Episode Description
Brian and Yesenia Sidwell always wanted a big family, but they felt uncertain foster care and adoption was the right path for them. With the help of ACH, the Sidwell family open their home to children and learn to navigate the challenges all adopted families face.
Episode Description
You don’t have a bad kid, you just have a kid who’s having a hard time. The Hackemack’s talk about their experience reparenting themselves and how healing it was for both them and their adopted son. Caseworkers Raquel Smith and Anabelle Muzzio also talk about TBRI and how important trauma informed care is to foster youth.
Episode Description
Semi had a bigger vision for her life than the dysfunctional environment she had growing up. Realizing she could choose her family, Semi held onto the relationships she treasured while in care at ACH. Proving that a person didn’t have to be related to her by blood to love her by bond.
Episode Description
Julie Brown’s life came full circle when she became employed by ACH Child and Family Services 15 years ago, but that didn’t start her story with the agency. In this episode, Julie talks about the impact ACH had on her and her family starting from the time she was 4 to the time she was 12. CEO Wayne Carson also talks about how impactful ACH is to the long-term health of clients as he reflects on both Julie’s and Semi’s stories.
Episode Description
After the death of her husband, Margie lost all interest in life; until the opportunity came to care for her great grandson. At 81 years old, she was determined to provide him with a safe and loving home; but the adoption process proved to be too complicated to navigate on her own. With the assistance of ACH’s Kinship Connections, Margie pushes herself to acquire new skills and embrace the next chapter in her life.
Episode Description
For the past 44 years, Arquilla Walker has taken care of nine children, eight of them from the same family, and none of them related to her by blood. Now 61 years old, Arquilla speaks on her experience raising children without a support system and how everything changed once ACH’s Kinship Connections came into her life. Also, Kinship Connections own Stacy Ladd and Becca Cadena share how they build trust with clients and work to meet their needs.
Episode Description
Following a series of failed foster home placements, Tabitha arrives at ACH’s Youth Emergency Shelter fed up with being misunderstood and ignored. In no time, Tabitha begins to experience what it’s like to be acknowledged and her talents allowed to shine.
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Peaches and Dionne talk about the importance of foster care youth to have a voice in their own life. Peaches reflects on Tabitha’s journey with family reunification and talks about her experience in ACH’s Youth Emergency Shelter and Morris Program. Dionne highlights the treatment side of Morris and the challenges Peaches and Tabitha faced while living on the ACH campus.
Episode Description
After experiencing homelessness and family separation, Alex arrives at ACH feeling lost and closed off to everyone. Bit by bit, Alex’s life begins to change as she learns to trust herself and the power of her voice.
Episode Description
Life Project client, Jeremiah, recalls a year spent moving four different times and ending up living in an abandoned college dorm. Explaining in detail what challenges arise for those living through housing instability. Also, LIFE Project mentor, Thad McCall, explains how clients often arrive on autopilot and the work it takes to build a connection, so clients trust them enough to ask for help.
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In Texas: 1.800.252.5400
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