Brianna's Journey in the Exchange Parent Aide Program: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and Reunification
Brianna is a young, single mother of three beautiful children: Zane (7), Zackary (4), and Zayden (5 months). Her story is one of overcoming adversity, resilience, and the determination to reunite with her kids. Brianna’s journey was largely made possible by the support she received from the Child Abuse Prevention Center at Ready for Life and her Exchange Parent Aide Program mentor, who played a pivotal role during this challenging time.
My Parent Aide Mentor, Shondra, was there for me from the very beginning...The support I received was different from anything I had ever experienced before. I felt heard, understood, and most importantly, not alone.
The Exchange Parent Aide Program is an in-home mentoring program from the National Exchange Club designed to support families at risk of child abuse. Brianna’s experience is a testament to the program's impact and ability to help parents navigate difficult situations while fostering hope for a better future.
The Exchange Parent Aide Program Offers:
Weekly in-home visits from a trained volunteer mentor
Help with defining family values and setting boundaries
Support in creating family traditions and celebrations
Guidance on meal planning and managing household finances
Brianna’s Story: From Struggle to Success
Brianna’s journey began in a place of overwhelming difficulty. Struggling with postpartum depression, financial instability, and the demands of raising three young children, she found herself in a cycle of hopelessness. She had lost her job at an insurance company after the birth of her third child and was unable to find stable employment. Her oldest child, Zane, was later diagnosed with autism, adding to the emotional and logistical challenges Brianna faced. With no reliable support network and feeling overwhelmed, Brianna and her children lost their apartment and began living in their car.
When the police and DCF became involved, Brianna’s children were removed from her care. She was at a loss and didn’t know where to turn. That’s when a friend, who had been in foster care herself, introduced her to Ready for Life.
“I was lost and didn’t know where to start. But when I met Ms. Diamond at Ready for Life, she introduced me to the Child Abuse Prevention Center and enrolled me in the Exchange Parent Aide Program. For the first time in a long time, I felt hope. I asked what I needed to do to get my kids back,” Brianna recalls.
The Road to Reunification
With Ready for Life’s support, Brianna was given a case plan by the foster care system and was guided through the steps necessary to regain custody of her children.
“Ready for Life helped me understand the process and stayed by my side every step of the way. My Parent Aide Mentor, Shondra, was there for me from the very beginning. She was someone I could talk to about the challenges of motherhood. We went on outings, and she visited me at home, helping me focus on the positive. The support I received was different from anything I had ever experienced before. I felt heard, understood, and most importantly, not alone."
With her mentor’s guidance, Brianna worked hard to complete her case plan. Though there were times of doubt and frustration, Brianna pushed through.
“I realized I was stronger than I thought. I learned that I don’t have to do this alone.”
The Impact of the Program
Brianna’s success was not just about regaining custody of her children—it was about rebuilding her life. Ready for Life helped her with everything from setting up family traditions to managing her household finances. They even helped her furnish her children’s rooms, turning them into cozy spaces that brought her kids so much joy.
“I’ll never forget how happy they were when they saw their new rooms—Zane’s Spiderman room and Zackary’s Unicorn room. They literally jumped on the beds!” Brianna smiles, reflecting on that moment. “Thanks to this program, I was able to have Thanksgiving at home with my kids, something I never thought would be possible."
Beyond the immediate needs, the program helped Brianna define her family values, set boundaries, and build a stronger relationship with her children. She learned how to plan meals, manage her time, and create a more stable, nurturing home environment.
Looking Ahead: New Dreams and Goals
Today, Brianna is on a new path. She has a stable job, and she’s exploring her passion for crocheting, dreaming of opening her own business selling crochet hats.
“Working a 9-to-5 job is fine, but crocheting makes me happy. It keeps me going,” she says. “This program helped me realize I still have my talents, and I can pass that on to my kids. I want them to know they can do whatever they want in life.”
Even after completing the Exchange Parent Aide Program, Brianna and Shondra will continue their relationship through Ready for Life's Be the One Mentoring Program.
“I want Shondra to see me succeed, and I’m so grateful for all the time and support she’s given me. She’s made a huge difference in my life,” Brianna says.
A Message for Other Moms
“If you’re a mom struggling to figure it all out, I want you to know this program offers so much,” Brianna says. “I felt so unheard and helpless before I met Ready for Life. Now, I know I have the support I need to keep going. The guidance and encouragement I received are unmatched.”
Become a Parent Aide
If you’re interested in becoming an Exchange Parent Aide Volunteer Mentor and making a difference in the lives of parents like Brianna, visit readyforlifepinellas.org/cap or contact Diamond Davis, Director of Family Preservation, at DDavis@readyforlifepinellas.org for more information.
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