Krystal’s Story: Finding Strength Through Support

Reaching a Breaking Point

“I had reached my breaking point. My youngest daughter’s father and I had just separated, and suddenly I was alone with no support. I called 211, I called so many places, just trying to find some kind of help or guidance. I was at my very last straw.”

Life had turned upside down for Krystal. She was raising three children on her own, an 18-year-old son, a 16-year-old daughter, and a 6-year-old daughter, while searching for stability and strength during an overwhelming season of heartbreak.

Searching for Stability in the Middle of Heartbreak

“I was looking for housing, but really, I was looking for hope. I just wanted something for me and my kids, something to help us move forward.”

Her search for support became an emotional battle as she tried to hold her family together.

A Message Sent in Hope

That search led her to Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS).
“I found PCHAS online. Honestly, it was a Hail Mary. I sent a message through the website and just waited. A few days later, someone from the Austin office called me back, and that is when everything started to change.”

Meeting Beth: A Moment of Relief

Krystal was introduced to Beth, her case manager in the Child and Family Program.
“She met me outside the church, walked in with me, and handed my kids little gift bags. My children lit up. I had not seen them smile like that in a while. And for me, it was the first time in a long time I felt heard.”

More Than Resources: Finding Someone Who Truly Listens

Through their visits, Beth connected Krystal to helpful resources, but she also offered something deeper.

“She did not just hand me a list of resources. She gave me reassurance. She listened. She cared. And that is what I was missing.”

Learning to Accept Help

Krystal says that accepting support was one of her biggest personal challenges.
“I have always been someone who moves in silence. I do not like to bother people with my problems. I handle things myself, because that is how I was raised. When I was seven, my dad got really sick, and I had to be strong. Since then, I have always been in survival mode. But when I met Beth, I realized I did not have to do it all alone.”

Moving Beyond Survival Mode

The support Krystal found through PCHAS helped her rebuild her sense of stability and hope.
“PCHAS became my life raft. I was mentally spiraling, trying to keep it together for my kids, and Beth helped pull me back up. She reminded me that it is okay to ask for help.”

Finding Strength Through Motherhood

When asked about her children, Krystal smiled.
“All of them have June birthdays. I did not plan that. God just has a sense of humor,” she laughed. “Each of them reminds me of a part of myself. My youngest is like my little baby soul that I got back.”

Embracing Her Story With Courage

Now, Krystal reflects on her journey with gratitude and courage.
“I am not ashamed of my story. It is messy, but it is mine. And I have learned that asking for help does not make you weak. It makes you brave. PCHAS gave me the strength to start over.”

You can help parents like Krystal find hope and healing. 

When you give to Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, you provide critical support for families who are rebuilding their lives. Make a gift today and help more families find the strength to start again.