Tierra’s involvement with Trumbull County Children Services Ohio START team began in 2022, right before Christmas. Her son, DJ, was placed in her mother’s home due to safety concerns surrounding Tierra’s substance use and mental health. Tierra’s road to recovery was bumpy at first, and her journey did include relapse — but for every time Tierra fell, she got back up.
Her first Ohio START Family Peer Mentor, Jess, remained a constant in Tierra’s life as she navigated early sobriety. Tierra also worked with her Ohio START FPM Jen, who provided her with support and encouragement as she strengthened her Recovery and Recovery Supports. Through everything Tierra endured, including the tragic loss of her closest friend, she never gave up on herself or being a mom to DJ.
Tierra recently graduated Trumbull County’s Family Dependency Treatment Court program, and she finished strong as a pillar of hope and resilience for the other participants. Tierra has maintained employment for more than six months, working in the field of addiction. She finds inspiration daily, along with opportunities to give back to the recovery community.
At her closing Family Team Meeting, just after being granted full custody of her son, Tierra gave her Ohio START caseworker Angela a thoughtful card. In it, she thanked Angela for never giving up on her family, and included some photos of DJ that Angela now displays in her cubicle as a testament to the successes of Ohio START.
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