Safe Families Holds A Family Together

Earlier this year we received a phone call from a single father, Armando, who was at the end of his rope. The loss of his biggest support system, his mother, eventually led to Armando being isolated and living in his car with his 7 year-old son, Michael.

Unsure of his ability to support and raise Michael alone, directionless, and in need of major help, Armando reached out.

The good news for Armando was Safe Families for Children is very active in his area of Arizona — someone was there for him.

Scot and Jenn Smith, jumped at the opportunity of helping this young family; they volunteered to host 7 year-old Michael for six weeks so that Armando could get back on his feet and secure a stable living arrangement. However, about a month and a half into the hosting, it seemed like progress for Armando might have stalled.

So Scot asked Armando out for coffee, and within several minutes of being together, Scot realized Armando had real talent and potential. Determined to help this young father realize his hopes for his family, Scot took Armando under his wing as a mentor.

Four months later, Armando secured a good job, stable housing, and a support system surrounding him. Most importantly, his son Michael was diverted from entering the foster care system!

The story doesn’t end there, the Smith family is still supporting and helping to celebrate the big moments of life with Armando and Michael. When Armando graduated from college, the Smiths were in the audience cheering him on! Safe Families For Children created an extended network not only for this child but for this entire family.

This isolated family could have fallen between the cracks but because of Safe Families For Children they aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving!!

The truth is, Armando is lucky — He had a Safe Families chapter to call. But many “Armandos” don’t have a local chapter to reach out to — they are isolated and are faced with the most devastating choices imaginable. Too often, these families are split up without hope of reuniting. Our dream is to help families who, like Armando, are at the end of their rope. We need to make sure no family in need is more than 2-hours away from a Safe Families For Children Chapter — which means we need to add 10 more chapters this year.

Your gift helps insure that families have a chance. Thank you for your support.

Armando and Michael were lucky — Safe Families for Children was there for them. Please help us insure that more “Armandos and Michaels” have a chance to succeed. Fund a Chapter today.