

Daniel, a single father of three children, was navigating an overwhelming season marked by serious health challenges and the weight of providing for his children under impossible circumstances. During a time of uncertainty, Daniel reached out to the 100 Families Initiative, a network of community partners committed to working together to ensure families are not left to face crisis alone.
Reflecting on that season, Daniel shares his story in his own words, offering an honest look at the challenges he faced and the impact of having a community walk with him.
"There was a time when everything felt like it was slipping through my fingers. Due to debilitating spinal , nerve, and genetic disabilities, I was no longer able to work and support my three kids. The situation became even more dire when I had to rely on friends for help. But even they, despite their best intentions, were unable to offer the support we needed.
Eventually, I found myself out of options and uncertain about how to move forward.
It was during this time that a friend suggested 100 Families and the other organizations at the Journey building-a lifechanging collection of organizations that are there for when people feel like they have nowhere else to turn. Through the support of my sponsor Latosha, and the added support of Russ Buss, Skye Mitchell, ARVAC, and many other amazing individuals there, my children have never gone without. They've been clothed, fed, sheltered, and most importantly, kept safe while I continue my medical treatments and fought to secure my disability benefits. The help they provided gave me the stability and peace of mind I needed to focus on healing and navigating the complicated process of receiving the benefits I was entitled to.
Thanks to 100 Families and the many other wonderful organizations and people at the Journey building, I can now provide necessities for my family. I'm learning how to not just survive-but thrive. I'm on a clear path to an even better life for me and my family, one filled with hope and new possibilities. The road has been tough, but with the support of this incredible organization, we're moving forward with confidence.
I'm forever grateful to 100 Families, and everyone else that has been a part of this journey, for their unwavering support, and I now believe that no matter how difficult the journey, there is always hope.
Daniel’s story is a powerful reflection of what becomes possible when compassion meets collaboration. Through the wraparound support of the 100 Families Initiative and its partners at Journey Church in Russelville, Daniel and his children found stability during a critical time and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges.
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