testimony by 111Project staff & Believers church Tulsa member Dree Hogue

Last summer, there was a need for a mattress on CarePortal, and I had one in my garage that had been donated by a member of our church. As usual, I responded, connected with the caseworker, and then connected with the mom highlighted in the request. I knew from the details that she was working towards reunification and had recently completed a treatment program. 

We scheduled a time to connect and deliver the mattress. It was maybe a 10-minute conversation. Nothing special or fancy, but I always try and take a moment to make sure families that we connect with on CarePortal are encouraged. I made a point to say, “I believe you are the best thing for your daughter. I am proud of you for taking the steps towards reunification, and I am cheering for you.” At that moment, her face visibly changed and she started showing me pictures of her daughter and telling me a little bit more of her story. In the end, I just reiterated, “You are the best thing for your daughter, and I am cheering for you.”  I then simply added, “I would love updates!” 

For the next 10 months, I received an almost weekly update. I would always respond with words of encouragement and hope. 

Finally, I got word from Regina (used with permission) that she had a reunification date. Regina had done everything asked of her and climbed the mountain of reunification! To celebrate, I planned to take over a care package for her and her daughter the week after she was back home.  My 9-year-old son and I went over to deliver it and stayed about an hour just visiting.  She shared with me a great deal more of her story.  She herself had been removed as a child. Her mother an addict. A lifetime of abuse and instability. Yet, she was resolved to stop the cycle.  She declared that her little girl would not know the life she had known and that the cycle was stopping right there. I heard strength, hope, resolve, and great love for her daughter.  It was inspiring. 

Before we left, I took pictures, we hugged, and I got to tell her that I was so proud of her. Once I was to the car, I texted her the pictures and thanked her for letting us come by. She replied with a text that said, “What is your name? I never remembered it from the first time we met so I have you saved as the lady who was kind.”

For 10 months, she updated a stranger whose name she didn’t even know because I offered a voice of encouragement and hope. Something she may not have been offered anywhere else in her world. Regina had plenty of voices telling her what she needed to change and how she needed to live differently. What she may have lacked is voices to cheer her on and offer encouragement. It was a sacred opportunity to be that voice! 

I have learned so much from Regina. I am grateful that CarePortal connected our families and grateful that what started as a need for a mattress, ended in a friendship.