When Sharon first connected with Child and Family Services Wraparound Program, she was seeking support for her son Tim, who struggled with emotional and behavioral challenges. As a single parent, she found it very difficult to manage these struggles alone.
Through Wraparound, the family was paired with Care Coordinator Xavier DeLuna, who took the time to understand their unique strengths and goals before creating a plan. He first connected Sharon with a parent skills trainer, who showed her new techniques to use for working with her son. She began using strategies around discipline that strengthened her relationship with Tim at home.
One of the biggest breakthroughs came from finding positive, consistent ways to motivate Tim. By setting clear expectations and offering incentives like time with friends, his mom was able to encourage better habits, including attending school regularly.
To further support the family, Xavier organized a meeting with Sharon, the school staff and Tim’s counselor to ensure everyone was aligned in helping Tim succeed. He also connected them with a peer support specialist experienced in working with children with autism, providing guidance specific to Tim’s needs.
Over time, Tim and Sharon’s communication improved, especially during stressful moments. Tim began expressing his feelings more openly and reengaging with school. By the time their case closed, he was attending classes regularly and even went to his school’s homecoming dance.
“I am proud of the strengths and skills they have gained since working with our program,” shared Xavier. “I know they are proud of the work they put in to make sure their family is successful.”
This family’s story is a powerful example of what Wraparound Services can achieve through collaboration and individualized care. With the right support in place, they discovered new ways to connect, communicate and build a stronger future together.
*Names changed for confidentiality.