At Elmcrest, we believe in the power of family. We believe that with the right support, resilience can turn struggles into success, and families can be whole again.
For nearly two years, a single mother of five faced unimaginable challenges—mental health struggles, addiction, and homelessness. Her children were placed in foster care twice. Yet, she refused to give up.
With the support of Elmcrest’s Family Support Services in Cortland, she began a journey of healing and transformation. She engaged in mental health services, committed to recovery, and worked tirelessly to build a stable foundation for herself and her children. At first, she was only allowed supervised visits with her children at Elmcrest. But step by step, she progressed—from monitored visits, to in-home supervision, to overnight stays.
On March 31st, after months of dedication and perseverance, her youngest child, now 11 months old, will be officially returned to her care. And the journey doesn’t stop there—her four older children, ages 11, 9, 7½, and 4½, will be reunited with her once the school year ends, ensuring a smooth transition that won’t disrupt their education.
This family’s story is one of strength, determination, and hope. It is a testament to what can happen when families are given the right support to heal and rebuild. Elmcrest’s Family Support Services program exists for families like hers—families who need a bridge to a better future.
Because at Elmcrest, we believe in restoring families. We believe in the promise of childhood. And most of all, we believe in hope.
