Jenny had a difficult start in life due to early childhood trauma and prenatal drug exposure before being adopted into a loving family. Despite their support, she struggled to control her emotions and impulses and had difficulty forming stable relationships. Her challenging behavior eventually became a safety concern for her family, who were overwhelmed and unsure how to help her.
As a young teen, Jenny was referred to Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s (CCH) Nā ‘Ohana Pūlama program, which provides therapeutic foster care for emotionally and behaviorally challenged youth. She was placed in a transitional family home — a foster home that specializes in helping young people with intensive mental health needs.
Her foster parents, Lei and Scott, not only welcomed Jenny but also embraced her mother, Joyce, as part of their family. A CCH therapist helped build trust between Joyce and Lei by facilitating discussions and joint activities. Over time, Joyce began joining the family for dinners and outings. When Jenny struggled, Lei and Joyce would collaborate to find solutions, showing Jenny that both of her “moms” were united in supporting her. Little by little, Jenny made progress, and her relationship with her family improved dramatically.
Today, as a young adult, Jenny still faces challenges, but she is in college, supporting herself, and surrounded by a network of friends and family who love her. With the help of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i and her dedicated parents and foster parents, Jenny has overcome incredible odds and built a strong foundation for a brighter future.
