How Mental Health Care Lifted a Mother Out of Crisis

Amber, a single mother of a child with special needs, was referred to the 100 Families Initiative by the Johnson County Juvenile Court due to her son’s truancy. At the time, her son had missed numerous days of school, with the reason cited as Amber “not wanting to get up.” However, this issue was just one part of a much larger struggle.

When Amber first enrolled in 100 Families, a family advocate met her at a particularly difficult time. She was facing eviction from her income-based housing due to non-payment, and her mental health challenges had left her overwhelmed and unable to manage daily tasks. She was unemployed and depended on friends and family to meet even her most basic needs. It quickly became clear that Amber’s mental and physical health were the primary barriers preventing her from moving forward.

One of the first steps toward recovery was a referral to Counselors R Us, where both Amber and her son began attending regular counseling sessions. She also successfully completed parenting classes offered through Community Service, Inc. (CSI). These supports marked a turning point—Amber began showing more initiative and started to climb out of the slump that had consumed her daily life.

As her mental health improved, Amber began taking practical steps toward self-sufficiency. She started working part-time through DoorDash, moved into a new apartment, and is currently pursuing a Section 8 housing voucher to maintain stable housing. Her son is now attending school consistently, and there have been minimal issues with attendance since.

Amber’s journey has been supported by a network of organizations, including Section 8, SNAP, Medicaid, Community Service Inc. (CSI), Counselors R Us, Johnson County Juvenile Court, Johnson County Juvenile Probation, ARVAC, and LiHEAP. These collaborative efforts have helped her make meaningful strides toward independence.

While Amber is still on her path to long-term stability, she continues to work every day to improve her circumstances. With ongoing focus on her mental and physical well-being, the next steps include financial literacy, budgeting, and working toward full-time employment. Her family advocate believes she has built a strong foundation for a brighter, more stable future—not only for herself but also for her child.