She had one hour to find someone to take her four children.
From the police station, she texted family, signed the papers, and watched the van drive away with her children inside.
She and her husband had struggled with addiction for years. When she got out of jail, she had nowhere to go and didn’t know anyone who wasn’t using drugs.
For two months, she went to court and attended visits with her children. But she knew showing up wasn’t going to be enough.
So she walked to her counselor and asked for rehab.
The next day, she was admitted.
She’s been sober ever since.
Her husband was working toward recovery too. Together, they took parenting classes, found steady jobs, and rebuilt their marriage.
Lane Change, Harvest Church, Celebrate Recovery, and Live 2 Give Hope walked alongside them.
Twelve months after that van drove away, all four children came home.
Many families wait years for that day.
Today, their mother helps other parents navigate the same system she once faced.
Reunification is often the goal when children enter foster care. But the road home can be difficult, and families need support long after their children return.
That’s why Live 2 Give Hope created Hope Reunited, walking alongside parents through reunification and for two years afterward.
In the Ozarks, this is what community looks like.
CARRY HOPE – DAY 7 OF 30
For 30 days in November, discover the people, the needs, and the ways this community responds.
Follow the 30-day challenge
What you can do
Image created to illustrate this story. It is not a photograph of the actual events.
Carry Hope
For 30 days in November, we are sharing one story a day about a real challenge facing children and families in the Missouri Ozarks, what is being done about it, and how you can help carry it.
Read more Carry Hope stories →Our Matching Partners
Thanks to these partners, $25,500 is waiting to match your gifts this November.
| Dr. Dawn and Dean Barker |  |  |
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Along with a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
