When a family of five recently relocated to the United States from Honduras, they faced challenges beyond the typical hurdles of adjusting to a new country. The father, Junior, had just started working, but their limited income couldn't cover the cost of essential household items. Everyone in the family, Katia, the mother, and the three boys: Jheycob, Joshua, and Jhereimah needed time to adjust to their new living situation and needed new systems in place that would help their family. The family was referred to Boys Town In-Home Family Services, which empowers parents with new parenting skills right in their homes while providing emotional support 24/7 and linking parents to community resources.
Their living situation was difficult: the family shared a cramped two-bedroom apartment with another family, which had no furniture, and everyone slept on the floor. Their dire need led to an unfortunate incident where the family's 10-month-old baby, Jhereimah, suffered a cranial fracture after falling off a makeshift mattress. Boys Town Consultant recognized the need for a safe and comfortable living environment and quickly mobilized resources to provide essential furniture through Sweet Dream Makers.
Within a week, their lives began to change. The two older boys, Jheycob and Joshua, now sleep in a bunk bed, giving them their own space and a sense of personal comfort. The parents, who previously slept on the floor, now have their own bed, allowing them to rest properly. The baby's new crib provides a safe sleeping environment, ensuring the child is protected and comfortable.
For Jheycob, this change has been particularly meaningful. After losing his biological mother two years ago, he struggled to feel a sense of belonging in his new family. Having his own comfortable bed, Boys Town Consultant was able to partner with Katia on introducing a bedtime routine, which aids children in having a consistent schedule, which in turn will help with their betterment. Bonding includes engaging with each child separately, such as watching a movie or playing a game. Focusing on one-on-one time with Jheycob and Joshua, Katia hopes to strengthen their bonds individually and help foster a deeper connection between the siblings. Katia’s thoughtful approach reflects her commitment to nurturing a loving and supportive family environment where each child feels valued and cherished. In Home Family Services motivated Katia to learn how to spend meaningful quality time with her son, Jheycob, both individually and alongside his brother, Joshua, and Jhereimah.
This transformation has had a profound impact on the family's well-being. Baby Jheremiah now has his own crib, which significantly reduces sleep-related incidents and promotes healthier sleep habits for the baby and the parents. The mother shared that they feel more energetic and optimistic with proper sleep.
This family's journey is a testament to the power of community and compassion. Boys Town Consultants' working with Sweet Dream Makers allows them to help with setting structure in the house and, thanks to Sweet Dream Makers' support, provide beds for the whole family. This story highlights the importance of providing safe and comfortable living conditions to learn new parenting skills and foster family bonding, especially for families in vulnerable situations.