Maria’s mornings used to begin before sunrise, as she commuted from rural Oregon to her job in another county. She took pride in her steady, honest work as she trained to become a professional dog groomer. Through this job, Maria was also building stability for her four children, step by step. But when her long struggle with alcohol led to a suspended license, that fragile stability was shaken. Without reliable transportation, every shift became a complicated web of rides, favors, and uncertainty, placing Maria’s job—and her family’s housing and security—at risk.
In that critical moment, Safe Families for Children stepped in to surround Maria with support. A compassionate volunteer Host Family cared for her children during periods of instability, ensuring that the kids experienced consistency, safety, and belonging while their mother worked to regain her footing. At the same time, Maria’s mentor walked alongside her, helping her navigate employment barriers, rebuild confidence, and take practical, achievable steps forward. With Safe Families for Children, Maria knew she wasn’t alone in her crisis—she was supported with dignity and without judgment.
Together, she and her support network focused on preserving what mattered most: her ability to keep working and stay connected to her children. With guidance and encouragement, she completed her training and secured a position at a small local business within walking distance of her home. Today, Maria works consistently, maintains her sobriety, and plans for a more secure future for her family. Her children remain rooted in school and community, strengthened by the care they received during a vulnerable time.
Maria’s story reflects the heart of Safe Families for Children: stepping in early to prevent deeper crisis, strengthening
families through meaningful relationships, and ensuring that a temporary hardship does not become a lasting separation.
Many families, even when doing ‘all the right things,’ are just one crisis away from major instability in their lives. Under-resourced communities leave families in the throes of hospitalization, unemployment, incarceration, substance abuse recovery, and other crises related to poverty without the resources and support to care for their children. Every day, families wake up to a crisis they cannot handle, and their ability to both weather the storm and protect their children is threatened. Safe Families for Children (SFFC) was founded to solve this problem.
Why Safe Families for Children:
- Why – We desire a world where vulnerable children are safe, and isolated families are transformed through compassionate communities of radical hospitality.
- How – Safe Families partners with entire communities to mobilize a movement of people dedicated to keeping children safe and families together by providing family-focused support, stabilization, and strengthening.
- What – Safe Families provides relational support for families facing crises through a community of compassionate volunteers, including host families, family friends, family coaches, and resource friends.
Testimony provided by Safe Families for Children Oregon Collaborative
*Names and photos have been changed for privacy
