At 13 years old, Sarah’s* journey took a remarkable turn. Her early years were marked by instability as her mother struggled with addiction. During that time, Sarah lived with extended family, but eventually, she entered the foster care system. Despite the challenges, Sarah always longed for a stable home and a relationship with her mother.

While Sarah was at Sunrise’s Glen Dale Center in Elizabethtown, her mother made significant strides. After a difficult battle, she recovered from her addiction and maintained her sobriety. Sarah, too, was responses, learning healthier ways to cope with the emotional scars left by years of uncertainty.

As Sarah progressed, the possibility of reunification became more than just a dream. Both Sarah and her mother participated in family therapy, which proved to be a pivotal moment in their relationship. Sarah’s mother learned essential parenting skills, and together, they began to rebuild the bond that had been fractured by years of separation. Therapy sessions not only helped them grow individually but also taught them to communicate and understand each other better.

When the time came for Sarah to transition back home, it was a moment of both joy and nervous anticipation. But with the support of the Glen Dale Center and their family therapy sessions, they navigated the process smoothly. Today, Sarah and her mother are thriving. Their home is filled with love, understanding, and the promise of a bright future—a true testament to the power of healing, recovery, and resilience.

Sarah’s story is one of hope and transformation, showing that, with the right support, families can overcome even the most difficult obstacles and rebuild their lives stronger than before.

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the individual.

Article written by Rachel White, Sunrise program director at Glen Dale Center.