As July and Independence Day reminds us of the power of freedom, Arrow Child & Family Ministries is spotlighting stories of healing, hope and transformation through its “Freedom to Thrive” campaign. Through Arrow’s Behavioral Health Services and reunification efforts families are supported, bonds restored, and children and caregivers can learn to thrive.
For Crysten Smith, the word freedom means more than fireworks and flagpoles, it means a successful reunification journey celebrated through spending life with her nine-year-old son Aiden.
Just last year, Smith was in the middle of a painful chapter in her life. A struggle with addiction led to her son Aiden being removed from their home and placed with her sister. She was only allowed to see him once a week, for one hour at a time.
“I felt as if the bond between Aiden and I was severed,” Smith said. “I could only see him once a week for an hour for around six to nine months, it was hard.”
During that time, Smith chose to fight and committed to recovery. She underwent outpatient rehabilitation, attended parenting classes and counseling, and focused on her mental health, with the goal of creating a stable and safe home for her son.
Eventually, their limited visits turned into longer, more meaningful time together.
“It gave me the drive to get him back home,” Smith said. “Each visit we listened to music and talked, I always reminded him of my love and how none of this was his fault.”
While with his aunt, Aiden continued treatment through Arrow’s Behavioral Health Services or BHS.
At Arrow, the journey to thriving begins with hope. Children who have experienced trauma often rely on survival behaviors that lead to emotional and behavioral disruptions in the home. BHS works closely with caregivers and children to develop healthy, cognitive coping skills to replace these maladaptive patterns.
Smith is now in full recovery and recently took further steps to become the healthiest version of herself for Aiden. The two have since been reunited and remain actively engaged in Arrow’s BHS program to maintain a stable, thriving home together.
“It’s helping Aiden,” Smith said. “Especially with him being able to talk about his emotions and recognizing them and not just flying off the handle.”
Reunification is always Arrow’s goal when a family is separated, because youth thrive best in homes and communities they know.
According to Smith, as the pair continue their healing together, simply being in each other’s day-to-day lives is the ultimate reward.
“Now we get to go to the waterpark, sit in the living room watching TV, hang out or he’ll help me cook,” Smith said.
With the right support, every family has the freedom to thrive.
“My message to other parents going through similar situations is to not give up,” Smith said. “It is possible to get your child back and 100 percent worth it to hear your child say I’m proud of you. That was the best thing for me.”
Through trauma-informed programs, Arrow continues to help families write new stories of healing, resilience and hope.
