Toward a brighter future

The road to sobriety and stability has been a long one for Kelly, but she has traveled far, with the help and support of her Keystone case manager Kelly Watson. Not long ago, the mother of two children was involved in drugs and in a relationship with a history of domestic violence. The family bounced between relatives and finally ended up homeless. But today, the picture is quite different. Kelly went into treatment last year and is now in recovery. The family spent time in a shelter but moved in March to a small but comfortable apartment. Now, Kelly is looking for work.

(Pictured here is client Kelly, her daughter and Keystone case manager Kelly Watson.)

"My case manager Kelly Watson has been a lifesaver for me," says Kelly, who has a serious hearing loss. "She's helped me in so many ways, especially getting my family out of a shelter and into an apartment, and getting energy assistance and other services. Sometimes I just need to talk, and she listens and gives me ideas. I don't think I could have made it without her."

Kelly was referred to Keystone's Case Management Program through its partnership with the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative. In that program, Keystone provides school-linked community social work services for families within the White Bear Lake or North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale school district community. Keystone case managers offer client families support while helping them establish and achieve family functioning goals. They advocate on behalf of clients and help them in locating and accessing a variety of community-based resources.

Since last September, case manager Kelly Watson has met with Kelly weekly, helping her problem-solve and take steps toward a more stable and secure future. Of her client, Kelly Watson says: "I provide a support system, but Kelly does the work. She's amazing.  She wants a better life for her and her kids and does the work to make it happen."

Kelly and her children were recipients of Keystone's Gifts of Hope program at the holidays, in which sponsors provide gifts for the children and useful items for the family -- in Kelly's case, a set of dishes and pots and pans.

"Keystone has helped my family a lot and I am very grateful. Now I'm excited about the future," said Kelly.