Anna* was drowning.
The weight of despair pressed on her, making it hard to breathe. She felt like she was failing—failing as a mom, a wife, and a person. Alcohol helped her forget the pain, but it also pulled her deeper into the darkness. One day, when the sadness became too much, Anna tried to end her life while her two-year-old daughter napped beside her.
That moment changed everything.
LCFS’ Intact Family Recovery (IFR) program stepped in, offering a lifeline. It wasn’t easy. Anna went to treatment and worked on her problems. When she came home, Shanetha McDaniel, her LCFS caseworker, was there to support her.
Shanetha connected Anna with therapy. She also made sure Anna’s daughter got the supports she needed. That’s when they found out Anna’s little girl was autistic. With the right help, her daughter started to thrive. And so did Anna.
Getting sober cleared her mind. Therapy made her stronger. Little by little, Anna started feeling stronger, more present, and more alive.
One afternoon, when Shanetha came for a visit, Anna opened the door looking different—her hair was done, her makeup was on, and she wore a colorful outfit.
“Wow, you look nice today!” Shanetha said, amazed by the change.
Anna smiled and said, “You always look nice. I wanted to, too. When you look good, you feel good.”
But the real change wasn’t in how she looked—it was in her heart. She’d become the loving mother her daughter needed. And, she’d become the wife her husband thought he’d lost. Their marriage, once falling apart, grew strong again.
And now? They’re talking about growing their family. A future Anna once thought was lost is now filled with hope.
*Names and images changed for privacy.
