Finding Their Way Back​

The family flourished. They maintained their sobriety, welcomed twins and a fifth son, and built a life grounded in hope and security. Then, in 2023, tragedy struck. Kristen was seriously injured after being hit by a train. The physical and emotional trauma led to a relapse and made it impossible for her to work. As financial pressures mounted, the family lost their housing. 

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"We could never get caught up," Kristen recalled. "I knew AFC had worked once. It could work again. It's where we found strength, courage, and a chance to refresh and restart."  

 

Determined to get her family back on track, Kristen called AFC every day, praying for an opening. She refused to give up. 

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A Family Reunited

When space finally became available, the entire family reunited with each other and were welcomed back into the program, including Nevaeh. "We were finally a complete family again," Kristen said. "That alone gave us so much comfort. It helped inspire us to move forward, together.”

 

With AFC’s support, Kristen and Elizar found new, better-paying jobs that improved their financial stability. Their children embraced classes and activities that helped them build confidence and resilience. One of the twins was always “excited” to go to the art class. “The staff was so supportive, they gave him sketchbooks and supplies to use in their new home,” remarked Kristen. 

 

The family's success was built on much more than housing. Kristen says the life-skills classes and trauma-informed support helped every member of the family heal and grow. "The staff really care," she said. "They're not just employees. They help you, help yourself. If you're willing to do the work and put in the effort, you can succeed."  

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Learning to Move Forward

Even with good credit, full compliance in past rentals, and doing everything possible to prepare, the process of finding permanent housing was difficult. Application fees, waiting lists, and repeated setbacks tested their patience and determination. Kristen describes the journey as "treacherous," but says the support of her AFC case manager helped her remain focused on her goals.

 

She also discovered that the structure of the program, which can seem intimidating at first, is one of its greatest strengths.

"People who want to come to AFC often think it's a lot of requirements and chores," Kristen explained. "But those skills come with you when you move into your own home. What they don’t understand is that you're being set up for success."  

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Hope for the Future

As the Martinez family prepares to move into their own home, they are both excited and emotional about leaving the community they have built at AFC. "Everybody honestly, truly cares about each other's health and success," Kristen said. "I'll miss that constant reminder that someone has your back, and kind people like Rachel and Karen are always there to listen and help.”

 

Looking back, Kristen says she is most proud of what her children have learned through the family's journey.

"My kids have seen and been through a lot," she said. "I'm proud of them. They have learned about resilience, and I think they will be proud of their dad and me. We never gave up."  

 

Today, the Martinez family is entering a new season defined not by hardship, but by determination, self-reliance, and hope. Through perseverance, hard work, and the support of AFC, they have rebuilt their lives and created a foundation for a brighter future.

 

Story by Trish Leonard