Charlene's Circle of Support

Charlene began attending our Circle of Parents® about 8 months ago. She is single, has two children and one has a very serious disease. This mom, just a short two years ago, packed up and left a very abuse relationship. She has been on her own to raise her young children since. The youngest has a rare disease and as has been in and out of the hospital many times. Charlene almost lost custody of her kids because of having to work and not being able to care appropriately for them.

Recently, her little one was hospitalized again and Charlene was beside herself. Unsure how to care for her other child and be at the hospital with her little one, the Circle of Parents® members came. They took turns helping her. One mom came and when Charlene woke up, she was embarrassed she had been sleeping while this mom came by to visit. The mom said to her, “Oh no, you needed the sleep, I watched over your little one. You need rest and I am perfectly fine to sit here so that you can get it.” The mom felt such relief, this group of people she hadn’t even met 8 months ago, had now become a very big support system. She exclaimed at the next group meeting, “I completely understand now why so many of you are “lifers”, I will be sticking around for a long time.”

For more information about Families First's Circle of Parents® program please visit our website.

For parenting tips, parenting resources, or support call the Families First Support Line at
877-695-7996 OR 866-527-3264 for Spanish-speaking parents. You can also e-mail SupportLine@FamiliesFirstColorado.org with questions or concerns. Comments provided by non-Families First individuals are not the opinion of Families First.