Transforming Lives: A Texas Family First Success Story
We are delighted to share an inspiring success story from the Texas Family First program, where families overcome challenges and build brighter futures. Today, we introduce you to a family, whose journey is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the transformative impact of the Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting principles in Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).
This family was struggling through a deeply challenging time. The father and his daughter were caught in a cycle of escalating conflicts. Domestic abuse cast a long shadow over their home. With the guidance and support of compassionate professionals, the family embarked on a journey of healing and transformation.
Through the program, this father learned invaluable tools to navigate difficult situations. He began implementing clear expectations and consequences, creating a safe and nurturing environment for his family.
Central to this transformation were Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting principles as prescribed by TBRI. These principles became the foundation on which the family rebuilt their relationship:
- Connecting: The father learned to attune to his daughter’s emotional needs and build trust through genuine connections. Open communication and active listening became cornerstones of their interactions, fostering a sense of security and belonging.
- Empowering: The father empowered his daughter to regain confidence and control over her life by recognizing and nurturing her strengths and interests. Together, they set achievable goals and celebrated small victories, creating a sense of agency and accomplishment.
- Correcting: Discipline transformed into a constructive process. The father now provides consistent, loving guidance, using appropriate consequences to teach valuable life lessons. His daughter has learned accountability and responsibility in a supportive environment.
The results of this journey were nothing short of remarkable. Today the daughter is not only back in school but beginning to excel academically. Her grades are a testament to her determination and the unwavering support of her family. The household is now a place of harmony, filled with laughter, love and mutual respect.
The family’s story is a shining example of the incredible transformations that can occur when families receive the necessary support and tools. It is a testament to the power of the Texas Family First program and the resilience of the human spirit.
We hope this story inspires you as it has inspired us. Together, we can make a positive impact on families.
Increase in State ID / Driver’s Licenses
One of the performance measures that 2INgage is tasked with is retrieving driver’s licenses or state identification cards for all youth over the age of 16. During the last quarter, 2INgage increased this percentage from 37.1% to 56.8%. Through collaboration, 2INgage worked diligently to obtain these important documents for youth.
Increase in State ID / Driver’s Licenses
One of the performance measures that 2INgage is tasked with is retrieving driver’s licenses or state identification cards for all youth over the age of 16. During the last quarter, 2INgage increased this percentage from 37.1% to 56.8%. Through collaboration, 2INgage worked diligently to obtain these important documents for youth.
Back to School Drive
2INgage and several community partners hosted the 2nd Annual Back to School Drive on August 12, 2023. This event allows 2INgage and others to give back to the community while offering a resource fair to inform families about many communities’ supports. A total of 787 backpacks were given out, representing students attending 43 schools within the Big Country. The resource fair brought in 53 agencies who were eager to share how they can help the community.
Foster Care Appreciation Event
On September 15, 2023, 2INgage partnered with The Shed, Foster325, New Hope Church, and Dax Pueschel to host a Foster Parent Appreciation Event in Abilene, TX. This was open to all foster parents to enjoy a night of free food, live music, and many giveaways. This was the final event hosted over the summer months to share appreciation and gratitude for the foster parents serving the children within Region 2. Thank you to the community for helping us celebrate these unsung heroes!
Foster Parents of the Year!
Megan and Jason Boyd, a nurturing foster family from Abilene, Texas, welcomed their first foster children, a 3-year-old girl and a 7-month-old boy, with the intention of eventually adopting them. Initially cautious about the children’s father due to a history of domestic violence, they discovered he was the victim, not the perpetrator, and extended their unwavering support. Guiding him through the legal process, they also rallied their church community to furnish his new apartment, leading to the joyful reunification of the children with their father in a lovingly decorated home.
Transitioning into a supportive grandparental role, the Boyds continued to mentor and emotionally support the reunited family unit. Recognizing the father’s potential, they actively encouraged and assisted him in advancing his career. From helping him secure a better-paying job to facilitating his professional growth, their dedication empowered him to advocate for himself and significantly improve his financial situation.
Beyond legal guardianship, the Boyd family fostered a warm and inclusive familial environment, engaging in cherished traditions such as attending church together, celebrating holidays, and sharing meaningful Sunday dinners. Mr. Boyd shared their heartwarming story at the 2INgage Fatherhood Forum, emphasizing the pivotal role of faith and compassion in their mission to support and uplift vulnerable families within their community, thereby inspiring others to embark on the fulfilling journey of foster care.
