Angel's Story

Angel first attempted to enroll in the Parenting Inside Out program while incarcerated at Shutter Creek; at that time, the facility did not offer a parenting class. After her release, she heard about the Center from a friend and self referred to our community version of Parenting Inside Out.

Prior to beginning the class, Angel found a job at the Rebuilding Center in North Portland where she was hired as a temporary employee, and now, because of her work ethic, Angel has a full-time position. In July, with the help of Jen Matheson from 211 Housing Connections, a service partner at the Center for Family Success, Angel found her own apartment.

Angel has shown tremendous effort, not only in advocating for herself, but also in improving her relationship with her children. She has participated in the Parenting Inside Out Program twice a week for three months, completing the course with perfect attendance.

Each Wednesday, after working at the Rebuilding Center and before parenting class, she has a half-hour phone visit with her children and enjoys reading them a book from the Center’s library. She also took her sons on a camping trip over Memorial Day weekend, which went very well.

In September, a Center advocate attended Angel’s judicial hearing, where Angel’s success in utilizing the resources offered through the Center, coupled with her own initiative and determination, resulted in Judge Waller granting Angel increased visitation with her sons.

In mid-October, Angel graduated from Parenting Inside Out Program. She is working with the Center to find mentoring programs for her children through our partner agencies and will also continue to use Center services such as Anger Management, Parent’s Anonymous meetings and employment support. Her next review hearing is in March 2006.