Everything that Madelyn and Jaslyn have barely fills two large bags. But the sisters have something more valuable than worldly possessions.
They have a father, Jason, who is doing all he can to keep their family together.
When the girls’ mother left the family recently, Jason had no one to care for them while he worked. Unable to afford child care, he lost his job, and they began living in a tent at a park. As their plight worsened, they made their way to the Salvation Army in Fort Myers, but there were no family units available.
Determined to keep Madelyn and Jaslyn out of foster care, Jason reached out to Better Together.
We connected Jason to volunteer host families to provide short-term care for the girls, allowing Jason to stay at the Salvation Army and giving our team the opportunity to help stabilize his situation.
Family support manager Ronnie Zuniga began mentoring Jason and helped him set achievable goals, prepare for job interviews, and enroll in therapy. More importantly, our team kept Jason’s bond with Madelyn and Jaslyn strong by arranging regular visits and FaceTime calls.
Then on Monday, after receiving a family unit at the Salvation Army, Jason reunited with Madelyn and Jaslyn.
“My girls are so happy. Thank you so much,” Jason told Vanessa Estrada, Better Together’s executive director in Southwest Florida.
“We’re your family. We’re your community,” replied Vanessa.
Jason has arranged child care for the girls, is currently doing freelance mechanic work, and continues to interview for full-time work.
“Are you happy?” Jaslyn asked Jason during their reunion. He replied.
“Yes.”
Story and moments by Kinfay / Better Together
