Success Story: Cole, Catie, and Chloe

When 5 month old twins, Chloe and Catie, and big brother Cole were taken to the hospital, doctors saw bruises, cuts, and scrapes. Chloe was rushed into ICU, and once stabilized, doctors discovered she had experienced severe head trauma, brain damage, and permanent vision loss. Detectives determined mom Crystal’s boyfriend hurt their children while she was at work. Estranged from her family, Crystal found herself alone when she and her children needed support more than ever.

That’s when CASA volunteers John and Jenifer stepped in. Together with CPS, John and Jenifer reached out to some of Crystal’s other family members to find support for the children. Initially some family members thought that due to Crystal’s young age and lack of support, the children would be better off staying with their foster family rather than going back to their mom. But CASAs John and Jenifer saw what many didn’t: a mother who could turn her life around for her children, if only she had the right support. With CASA’s help, a few supporting Crystal in the beginning grew to eleven a few months later.

With family support and CASAs who believed she could do it, Crystal went above and beyond in completing CPS required services. She went to parenting classes and asked “what else can I take?” Crystal not only completed parenting classes and counseling, she got her own apartment, full time job, and embraced the family supporting her and her three young children.

CASA was the catalyst in connecting the mom to family and keeping family members engaged during the long court case. Now that Crystal is a single-mom of three children, one with special needs, the support of her family continues to provide the best possible life for her and her children.

P.S. When CASA spoke with her last, Crystal talked about bedtimes, packing lunches, and laying out clothes for Chloe, Catie, and Cole. After chaos and fear, they are all enjoying a routine as a reunited family.