Youth and Family Services, Inc – Counseling Center
In January, an adult female client was referred to YFS’ Counseling Center through WAVI, a community partner. Through a cooperative agreement, the Counseling Center provides counseling and support services to WAVI clients while they are staying in the shelter. During her initial counseling session, the client shared that she had recently been hospitalized following a domestic violence incident and had temporarily lost custody of her child. The client demonstrated significant commitment to improving her situation. She engaged in substance abuse treatment through Oaye Luta Okolakiciye while continuing weekly therapy sessions with a YFS therapist. After several weeks in shelter, she obtained stable housing and worked closely with her DSS caseworker to complete the requirements needed to regain custody of her child. It is anticipated that she will be reunited with her child within the next few weeks. This client’s progress reflects the importance of strong community partnerships, coordinated mental health and substance use treatment, cultural support, and most importantly, the client’s dedication and hard work toward creating a healthier and more stable future for herself and her child.