06/11/2026
Destiny* was just 22 when she became a mother. She was still figuring life out. Like many people her age, she spent time with friends and went to parties. She got in with the wrong crowd and was introduced to co***ne. At the time, it felt casual.
Then everything changed.
Destiny did not even know she was pregnant until shortly before she gave birth. Suddenly, she was holding a tiny baby boy who needed her for everything. And she needed help.
Because her baby was born substance exposed, Destiny was referred to the Intact Family Recovery Program at Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois. The program helps parents receive substance use treatment and support while their children remain safely in their care.
Instead of separating families, the goal is to surround them with the tools and guidance they need to grow stronger together. Destiny’s caseworker, Shanetha, stepped in and carefully monitored the baby’s safety while helping Destiny build a plan for recovery.
Destiny battled postpartum depression, and even leaving the house felt impossible. Doctors recommended medication, but her mom had doubts. Shanetha took the time to explain what Destiny was going through and how the treatment could help, showing the family that supporting her mental health was important in helping her become the mother she wanted to be.
With this support, she began taking small steps forward.
One afternoon she bundled up her baby and took him to the park. Just a simple walk. A few minutes outside. But it felt like a big victory. Soon those walks became regular outings filled with fresh air and sunshine with her little boy.
Destiny also attended outpatient therapy and completed parenting classes, learning new skills that helped her feel more confident caring for her baby. She was drug tested regularly. From the day her case opened until the day it closed, she never once had a positive drug test.
“Destiny was a model client,” Shanetha said. “She did everything we asked of her and more because she wanted to be the best mom she could be for her son.”
At the same time, Destiny began rebuilding her future. She returned to school and eventually became a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was hired at a hospital doing work she loved, caring for others.
Through it all, her family remained close. Destiny and her mom share a strong bond. She never wanted to disappoint her. Destiny wanted to be the kind of mother her own mom had been to her. Loving. Present. Strong.
Today, that is exactly who Destiny is becoming. She is working. Raising her son. And building a stable life filled with hope.
Your support helps make stories like Destiny’s possible. When parents receive the right support at the right time, children can grow up in the arms of the person who loves them most.
* Client’s name and image are changed for privacy.
