"TH and BH became involved with the agency due to their child being born with a positive toxicology screen. Throughout the case, we tried to work with the family via safety plan but due to lack of compliance, the children were then sent to foster care. TH and BH were were living in a condemned home with no electricity or water and hesitant to engage with the agency or service providers. I went to their home with the FPM begging them to go into inpatient and again they were hesitant. That following Monday they decided to enter treatment and the mother entered a program where she could have two out of three of her childre and we were able to find a family member to take the third child. She obtained her own 2 bedroom apartment through the program and then obtained employment, a drivers license, and vehicle till she was able to obtain independent housing. The father is working and is in sober living, and is actively involved with his children. Both parents run their own NA meeting. The agency has motioned for custody to return to her of her third child and to end the case! The mother also spoke at the Red Ribbon Walk in Jackson in October. We have asked her to speak at our next START Summit in 2023, so the agency is hoping to make that work!

I remember when the mother was early in her treatment she told me a story that I love to share:

She told me that "One day, I was walking down the street, I am sure I was high, I looked down and saw a pink guitar pick. I picked it up and put it in my pocket. I don't know why I did that, because I surely don't play guitar, but my not sober mind told me I needed it. The other day in treatment a guy came in playing guitar but did not have a pick. I reached in my coat pocket, and there sat that pink pick. I handed it to him. Everyone asked me, TH, why on earth do you have a random pink guitar pick in your pocket? She said, you know I am not really sure, but I think it's Gods way of telling me this is where I am supposed to be, and I am so thankful you and Misty (the FPM) pushed me and continued to believe it me even when I was at my worst time. I am going to do this, and thank you for everything!""

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Lyndsey Graham is the Peer Mentor for Brown County. She has been in the role since January 1, 2018. She was part of Cohort 1 and participated in the beginning stages of the pilot program. She has a Bachelor's degree in Social Services and has experience in counseling.

Brown County is participating in a pilot partnership with Kinnect and Lyndsey was able to copresent on that partnership at the PCSAO Conference as well as the National KEMPE Conference.

Lyndsey goes above and beyond for the clients she serves. She works with local organizations to gather clothing, food, personal hygiene products, etc. for clients and their children. Lyndsey is able to find the good in anyone. Not only can she find it, but she brings it out in them. Lyndsey is able to easily build relationship with clients. She helps them to face their guilt head on and is there to offer support and comfort as they uncover their blankets of shame. Lyndsey's lived experiences and compassion for her work are invaluable. She models respect and hope for our clients which has had a huge impact on the atmosphere at our Agency and inspires others to do the same. Lyndsey is a champion and advocate for the clients she serves. It is a true privilege to work alongside her. Brown County is also working toward certification which is a testament to the work she has put forth for almost 5 years now! Thank you Lyndsey for your dedication!

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