“Stepping In and Stepping Back”

Meet Opal.

Opal suddenly found herself raising her two six-year-old grandsons alone. When the boys first moved in, her husband, Gerald, was by her side. They were determined to raise the boys in a loving home. Tragically, Gerald was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2021 and passed away three months later.

Opal needed help.

In January 2023, Opal enrolled in OCA’s Family Coaching Program. Over the next nine months she met with a coach. Each week she learned new trauma-informed parenting skills.

As she completed the program, she was anxious about stepping out on her own and had goals she wished to accomplish.  OCA was still there to help. 

Opal started our family care program in October 2023.  She meets weekly with a care coordinator to work through her goals. During this 90-day program, a care coordinator walks with her while also working with a church to prepare the church for wrap around care after OCA steps away.  Opal’s church is stepping in and wrapping around her and the boys.

Jesus was relational. At OCA, we believe that relationships are critical for struggling families.

Our mission is to equip, mobilize and connect the church to serve vulnerable children and families. Through programs like Family Care, we are doing just that. When OCA steps back, Opal’s church will be there, equipped and providing support.

 “I am thankful for my church family, but still struggle to ask for help. OCA is helping to build my confidence in being willing to ask the church for help, all the while helping the church better understand my family’s needs on this new journey.” 

- Opal