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.

Outlines

00:00

🔄 Spenser's Journey from Homelessness to Reunification

Spenser shares her challenging journey of being pregnant and homeless, leading to her son Colton being taken into foster care due to drugs in their systems. Determined to change, she spends over seven months in rehab, aiming for reunification with her son. The narrative introduces New Generation, a facility that previously only housed mothers with their children, deciding to support Spenser in her reunification process. Through her resilience, Spenser secures a job and housing, diligently follows DCYF guidelines, and successfully advocates for herself in court, leading to regaining full custody of Colton. The story highlights the support from New Generation and volunteers, culminating in a heartwarming home makeover and Spenser's gratitude towards everyone who aided her journey to a new beginning with her son.

05:01

🙏 Spenser's Gratitude

In a heartfelt acknowledgment, Spenser expresses her deep gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from volunteers, donors, and staff at New Generation. Thanks to their help, she and her son Colton are moving into a well-equipped apartment, marking a significant positive change in their lives. This support not only provided them with material necessities but also played a crucial role in Spenser's successful journey towards rebuilding her life and reuniting with her son.

Keywords

💡Homelessness

Homelessness refers to the state of having no stable or permanent place to live. In the context of the video, Spenser experienced homelessness during her pregnancy, which significantly impacted her life and her ability to care for her unborn child. This situation underscores the challenges faced by many individuals who lack housing stability, which can lead to a cycle of poverty, health issues, and, as in Spenser's case, complications with child custody.

💡Sobriety

Sobriety is the condition of not being intoxicated or influenced by drugs or alcohol. The script highlights Spenser's struggle with sobriety, especially during her pregnancy, and how a relapse just before giving birth led to her son being placed in foster care. Sobriety is central to her journey of recovery and regaining custody of her son, illustrating the critical role of maintaining sobriety in overcoming personal challenges and fulfilling responsibilities.

💡Rehabilitation Center

A rehabilitation center is a facility aimed at providing treatment and support for individuals seeking to overcome addiction or other health issues. Spenser's seven-and-a-half-month stay at a rehab center signifies a pivotal step in her recovery process, focusing on her commitment to sobriety, personal growth, and preparing for a responsible life as a mother. This highlights the importance of such institutions in supporting individuals on their path to recovery.

💡Custody

Custody refers to the legal right to take care of a child, including making decisions about their welfare. In the video, Spenser's primary goal is to regain full custody of her son, Colton, after he was placed in foster care due to the circumstances of his birth. Her journey to custody is a testament to her determination to rebuild her life and provide a stable environment for her son.

💡New Generation

New Generation is portrayed as a supportive housing organization that extends its help to mothers working towards reunification with their children. By making an exception for Spenser, they showcase their adaptability and dedication to support individuals in unique situations. This organization symbolizes hope and assistance for those seeking to overcome personal adversities and rebuild their family lives.

💡SMART goals

SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. The script mentions Spenser setting SMART goals, such as securing a job and obtaining housing, which are essential steps towards her larger aim of regaining custody of her son. This concept emphasizes the importance of setting clear, realistic goals in personal development and recovery.

💡DCYF (Division of Children, Youth, and Families)

DCYF is a governmental agency responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and families. In the script, Spenser navigates the DCYF process as part of her effort to regain custody of her son. Her experience with DCYF underscores the challenges and bureaucracy involved in the child welfare system, as well as the potential for positive outcomes when individuals fulfill the agency's requirements.

💡Advocacy

Advocacy in this context refers to the act of supporting or arguing for oneself or a cause. Spenser's self-advocacy at court, where she insists on her transformation and commitment to her son, highlights the power of personal agency and the importance of voicing one's needs and rights in legal and personal matters.

💡Housing Voucher

A housing voucher is a government-funded coupon that assists individuals in paying for housing. Spenser's acquisition of a housing voucher within seven months represents a significant milestone in her journey towards stability and independence, enabling her to secure a better living situation for herself and her son.

💡Volunteer Support

Volunteer support refers to the unpaid assistance offered by individuals or groups to support a cause or help individuals in need. In the video, volunteers play a crucial role in helping Spenser move into her new home, symbolizing the community's willingness to support individuals striving to improve their circumstances and highlighting the impact of collective efforts in facilitating personal growth and recovery.

Highlights

Spenser's journey from homelessness and substance abuse during pregnancy to seeking rehabilitation for herself and custody of her son, Colton.

Colton was taken into foster care at birth due to substance exposure, triggering Spenser's wake-up call.

Spenser's commitment to sobriety and self-improvement during her seven and a half months in a rehab center.

New Generation's decision to house Spenser, despite traditionally only housing mothers with custody of their children, to support her reunification efforts.

Spenser's proactive approach to secure housing and employment as part of her recovery and reunification plan.

The emphasis on setting SMART goals for achieving sobriety, housing, and employment.

Spenser's diligent compliance with all DCYF (Division of Children, Youth, and Families) recommendations to regain custody of Colton.

The critical one-year timeframe given by DCYF to correct behaviors and the pressure it created for Spenser.

Spenser's self-advocacy and determination in court leading to the judge's decision to return Colton to her care.

The support from New Generation and its staff, who attended court with Spenser.

Spenser's ability to secure a housing voucher and her excitement about her new, larger apartment.

The collective effort of volunteers at New Generation to prepare Spenser's new unit, showcasing community support.

Spenser's emotional response to the kindness and support from the community, highlighting the impact of generosity.

The transformation of Spenser's life through her hard work and the comprehensive support system provided by New Generation.

Spenser's gratitude towards volunteers, donors, and staff for their role in her and her son's new beginning.

Transcripts

>SPENSER< When I was pregnant with my son, Colton,

for the majority of it, I was homeless.

I had remained sober for the majority of my pregnancy,

up until about three days before I had him and I had relapsed.

There was drugs in my system, drugs in his system,

so Colton was taken away from me at the hospital and put into foster care.

You know, that was like a huge wake-up for me.

So I spent seven and a half months at a rehab center.

Colton was allowed to come for a visit,

but, obviously, I wanted more. You know, I wanted full custody of him.

So, leaving the center after seven and a half months,

I stayed with family for a little bit

and then I ended up coming here to New Generation.

>MUSIC<

>ELSY< Before Spenser, we always only housed mothers and their children,

mothers that had their children with them.

So, with Spenser, we decided to give moms, that are

working in the reunification process, a chance

and we decided that we were going to help her.

>BRANDY< Spenser's commitment and her personality,

you know, she's just pretty amazing.

She was really quick to get all her housing applications in immediately,

she was able to secure a job right down the street from us.

I feel like I'm always setting goals.

We call them SMART goals, you know, and it's just more attainable.

Getting a job, staying sober, another big goal was getting into housing.

>BRANDY< She's just one of those ones that wanted to make sure

she got everything done, and during that time, she was also

going through the whole DCYF process and she followed

every recommendation and suggestion that they gave her.

She really, really put her all into it to get her son back.

>SPENSER< You're on a timeframe when it comes to DCYF.

You know, they give you one year to correct any and all behaviors

and I was doing everything that I was supposed to be doing.

We went to court, my whole team - even staff from New Generation came with me.

>BRANDY< Spenser advocated for herself and she was

really, really adamant about making sure that her voice was heard.

>SPENSER< I know I messed up, like I've corrected my behaviors,

I'm not that same person.

But I can't change the past, you know, I'm here today and this is what I'm doing.

And I said that right at court.

The judge was like, Spenser is getting her son back

and within two weeks, he's to return to her care full time.

And that's what happened.

>ELSY< Every single mom that comes through our doors,

all the support that we are giving them,

they are able to leave our building in the best way possible.

They go to their own unit, that they have a job,

that they have their children with them, that they have

the safety net that is going to allow them to succeed in the new unit.

So that's what we are here for.

>SPENSER< I was able to get my housing voucher within, like, seven months.

They got ahold of me, I went down.

The apartment's so much bigger and nicer than what I was expecting it to be.

I'm so excited.

>MUSIC<

>SONJA< My name is Sonja Baroni and I am a volunteer at New Generation.

Today we are helping a resident move into a home with her son.

Very exciting.

>ELSY< We are trying this for the first time with Spenser,

gathering a group of volunteers to go to her unit the day before she moves in,

and we are going to do a makeover of the unit.

>MUSIC<

>SPENSER< It's, I don't know, like it makes me want to cry, honestly.

because it's so nice, like they genuinely care, you know? And...

they don't have to. It's just like, acts of kindness.

>SYLVIE< This moment is the culmination of a lot of hard work on her behalf.

Spenser has reached all her milestones, she's done all the work.

This is her reward. This is her new beginning, and she deserves it.

>SPENSER< Sometimes, when a lot of good things are happening all at once,

it's super overwhelming and I have to keep reminding myself,

like, I've worked hard for this.

I just got Colton back and then everything working out here,

and then getting the voucher, and now a really nice apartment.

New Generation's been a huge, a huge support

and me being here was like a really big part of me getting Colton back.

And I know that, even after I leave here and I do the aftercare,

they're still going to be there.

They see the work that I've put in and it makes them

I feel like, want to help so much more,

and it's like, it's genuine, you know?

>MUSIC<

>SPENSER< Thank you so much to all the volunteers,

the donors, the staff. Everyone that helped support me.

I've had so much help from people that I don't know, that don't know me,

and it means so much, it means so much.

Without you guys, my son and I would be moving into an apartment

with pretty much nothing.

And I'm just so grateful, I really am.