Sarah is the mother of one the youth in our program, and she recently invited our team to join her at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new housing development for women who've faced challenges similar to her own. We were grateful she included the Friends - Colorado team as she shared her story.

Today, Sarah calls herself blessed. She has built a life defined by stability, purpose, and fierce love for her daughter, Millie*. Looking back, she says it's hard to believe she's the same person that she used to be years ago, when she struggled with addiction and housing instability.

Sarah grew up moving through so many group homes across Colorado that she lost count. Her childhood featured trauma and instability, and that pattern followed her into adulthood. For more than 15 years, she navigated addiction and homelessness. She was simply trying to survive.

Recovery gave her a new foundation. Six years into her recovery journey, Sarah found out she was pregnant with Millie, which she describes as the best surprise of her life. But becoming a single mom brought a different kind of challenge. Sarah quickly learned that love, however deep, doesn't pay rent, solve childcare gaps, or make bills disappear. She worked hard, and still, housing instability found her again. She had a job, but couldn't quite see what came next.

That's when community stepped in. With support from nonprofits and community organizations, Sarah moved out of survival mode and into real stability, securing housing, receiving financial counseling, and buying a reliable car on her own.

Now, Sarah is channeling her experience into purpose. She's working toward a bachelor's degree in behavioral health, determined to help others facing challenges like the ones she overcame. The things she once thought would break her have instead become the bridge that connects her to others who need support.

Above all, Sarah is determined for Millie's childhood to look different from her own. That's where Friends of the Children – Colorado comes in. Through another caring, consistent adult in Millie's life, Millie gets steady support in school, in the community, and at home. And she will continue to have that support until she graduates high school, no matter what challenges her family may face between now and then.

This is what two-generation support looks like in practice. When parents and caregivers like Sarah have the space and resources to thrive, their whole families thrive alongside them. Friends of the Children – Colorado helps to ensure that Sarah and Millie both get to experience stability together for years to come.

*Youth name changed to protect privacy