Sara first got involved with Family Services of NW PA through the Family Behavior Therapy (FBT) program. At the time, she was actively using drugs. "Nothing was good at all," said Sara, "It was just pure chaos 24/7."
As a result of her drug use, Sara struggled to maintain relationships with her daughter, mother, and others in her life. She ended up being arrested and continued to struggle. "I didn't want to be using," said Sara. "But I didn't know what to do and what steps to take."
FBT is an evidence-based treatment that helps parents and families impacted by substance abuse disorders. The program also addresses other co-occurring problems, including conduct disorders, family conflict, depression, and unemployment. "The program taught me that you can't just do what you want when you're in the system," said Sara. "You're going to be held accountable."
After being incarcerated, Sara got involved with the Re-Entry program. In addition to visiting Sara at home and accompanying her to appointments, her caseworker visited her in rehab and offered her support along her journey to sobriety. "The program taught me coping skills and acceptance," said Sara. "It also helped me, and my daughter rebuild our relationship again."
Re-Entry is a support service that helps people who have been incarcerated make a successful transition to community life and reunite with family members. The Re-Entry Program aims to assess the impact of incarceration on the individual and his or her family, reunify parents with their children, and achieve or maintain family safety, stability, independence, and unity.
Sara is now clean and sober for the first time in 20 years. She continues to rebuild relationships with loved ones and credits Family Services of NW PA with helping her accomplish so many things. "When you can't be strong enough, they'll be strong for you," said Sara. "When you don't know what direction to go in, they will point you in the right direction. If you want to be successful, they'll help you get there."
