Mother & Son Together: Spenser's Story

Summary

This video script tells the heartwarming story of Spenser, a mother who fought to turn her life around for her son, Colton. Homeless and struggling with substance abuse during her pregnancy, Spenser faced the harsh reality of having her newborn taken into foster care. Determined, she entered rehab, worked diligently towards sobriety, and with the support of New Generation—a shelter that decided to help mothers in the reunification process—Spenser made remarkable strides. She secured a job, housing, and ultimately regained full custody of her son. The video highlights the transformative power of support and determination, culminating in a community coming together to furnish Spenser and Colton's new apartment, symbolizing a fresh start and the rewards of perseverance.

Takeaways

• 😔 Spenser became homeless and struggled with drug addiction during her pregnancy, leading to her son Colton being taken away by social services after his birth.
• 🤝 New Generation, a support organization, provided housing and assistance to Spenser, helping her work towards reunification with her son.
• 💪 Spenser demonstrated commitment and determination, following all recommendations and successfully completing a rehab program to regain custody of her son.
• ⚖️ Spenser advocated for herself in court, convincing the judge that she had changed and deserved to have her son returned to her care.
• 🏠 New Generation helped Spenser secure a housing voucher and a comfortable apartment within seven months.
• ❤️ Volunteers from New Generation prepared Spenser's new apartment as a welcoming surprise, showcasing their genuine care and support.
• 🙏 Spenser expressed deep gratitude towards New Generation, volunteers, donors, and staff for their invaluable assistance in her journey.
• 🌟 Spenser's experience highlights the importance of support organizations in helping individuals overcome challenges and rebuild their lives.
• 🌈 The script emphasizes the possibility of positive change and the power of determination in overcoming difficult circumstances.
• 🤝 Collaboration between support organizations, individuals, and the community can create a safety net that empowers people like Spenser to succeed.

Q & A

What led to Colton being taken away from Spenser at the hospital?

Colton was taken away because there were drugs in both his and Spenser's system when he was born.

How long did Spenser spend at the rehab center, and was Colton allowed to visit her during this time?

Spenser spent seven and a half months at the rehab center, and Colton was allowed to come for a visit.

What change did New Generation make to their housing policy for Spenser?

Before Spenser, New Generation only housed mothers with their children. They decided to give mothers working on reunification a chance and helped Spenser, marking a policy change.

What are SMART goals as mentioned by Brandy, and how did they apply to Spenser's situation?

SMART goals refer to goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Spenser applied this concept by setting attainable goals like getting a job, staying sober, and securing housing.

How did Spenser demonstrate her commitment to getting her son back?

Spenser demonstrated her commitment by quickly submitting housing applications, securing a job, following all DCYF recommendations, and actively advocating for herself in court.

What timeframe does DCYF provide for correcting behaviors, and how did Spenser respond to this?

DCYF provides a one-year timeframe to correct any and all behaviors. Spenser did everything she was supposed to, including attending court with her support team.

What was the outcome of Spenser's court appearance regarding custody of her son?

The judge decided that Spenser was to get her son back, and he was to return to her care full time within two weeks.

How long did it take for Spenser to get a housing voucher, and what was her reaction to the apartment?

It took about seven months for Spenser to get a housing voucher. She was excited and found the apartment much bigger and nicer than expected.

What special effort did New Generation and volunteers make for Spenser's new unit?

A group of volunteers, including New Generation staff, gathered to do a makeover of Spenser's unit the day before she moved in, marking the first time they tried this approach.

What does Spenser attribute to her success in regaining custody of Colton and securing a nice apartment?

Spenser attributes her success to the hard work she put in, the support from New Generation, and the genuine help from volunteers, staff, and donors.