The Story of A Mutual Care Home

Lids slowly turned the dial on the dishwasher, while Elizabeth explained why different water temperatures and cycles were necessary when doing the dishes. They talked about how much detergent to use and why and when you use “spot free rinse”. “All dirty dishes are not created equal,” Elizabeth said as they both enjoyed a nervous laugh.  For the first time, Lisa was learning a fairly simple task, something a lot of kids learn at a far younger age. And certainly long before they are a parent themselves. But Lisa is not like a lot of kids.  

In many respects, Lisa has been a parent her whole life.  From the time she was very young, she had been taking care of her younger siblings. Her home life was chaotic on the best of days and some days she lived a life that would be unimaginable for most. Her parents struggled with substance abuse and there were frequent arrests and regular domestic violence in the home. To say her childhood and home life was unstable, would be an understatement.

Homeless and pregnant at 17 years old. This is not a movie or a fiction book. This is the story of Lisa finding her way through life, soon to be a parent, and without any support around her. High school had been difficult for her; feeling like she didn’t fit in she dropped out and with a baby on the way she knew she had to do something to make sure that her baby didn’t end up “in the system” - because of her. She spent most of her childhood feeling scared, not able to count on her parents, and wondering what the future would hold. Lisa was determined to make sure that wasn’t the case for her baby. 

Fortunately, Lisa recognized she needed help and reached out to Denver Human Services while at the homeless shelter. Elizabeth, a Savio foster parent, and her family welcomed Lisa and her baby, Kelly, in their home.  Elizabeth knew that  Lisa would need to learn many necessary skills for independent living. This was not just about doing the dishes - this was learning to find an apartment, pay your rent and bills, and also give your baby the love and attention she needed. Over the next year, Elizabeth guided Lisa through all of the critical skills needed to one day take the leap out on her own.  

Patience is key. Teaching a teenager like Lisa how to run a dishwasher might seem like a small task to us but to Lisa, it meant so much more.  Lisa’s family was not equipped to properly care for themselves and their children let alone, teach her life skills. She’d spent her childhood learning to be an adult on her own - the patient help from Elizabeth meant everything to her.  

Lisa wanted to be a good parent but was afraid to ask for help - but when she finally did - her whole world opened up. Elizabeth and her  family gave Lisa a chance to live a "normal", stable life as well. She was surrounded by secure caregivers who wanted nothing but success for her and her baby. That feeling of love, security, and support is something most people have on a daily basis and naturally take for granted because it’s always there. And for the first time, Lisa was feeling that too.  

Today, Lisa’s former life is nothing but a stepping stone to where she is now.  She and her baby moved into their own apartment recently. She is working on GED, has a job, and has successfully secured childcare for Kelly. Elizabeth was able to help this woman with a strong, independent personality, bring that to the front to set the stage for a new path for her family.  

Lindsay Emerson
Case Manager and Family Therapist
Savio Foster Care

We often see situations like that of Lisa and Kelly: a teenage mother and her baby in need of a supportive home. Are you able to provide a safe home for a small, young family?
Contact us for more information.