The Philosophy of the Relief Nursery is to Help Families

hen Jamie was referred to a Relief Nursery parenting class by his Department of Human Services caseworker he had, in his words, lost everything.

Drugs and alcohol fueled Jamie’s downward spiral. He landed in prison, was charged with domestic violence, and faced up to five years of incarceration. He had lost his home, his wife and custody of his two children. In denial, Jamie continued his self-destructive behavior until he had an accident, driving while drunk, that nearly took the life of his sister.

“I almost killed my sister. It was then that I realized, and finally accepted, that I had a drinking problem,” said Jamie. From that point on he tried to do everything that was asked of him to remain drug- and alcohol-free. He wanted to reconcile with his wife and regain custody of his children.

Addicted to drugs and alcohol, angry at the world and, admittedly, a “scary guy,” Jamie knew it wasn’t going to be easy. “I read the police report. I couldn’t believe I had done those things, but I know I did. I could see why no one would want to believe in me. But that report - it wasn’t me, I’m a gentle person.”

Jamie attended mandatory drug treatment, domestic violence counseling, and met frequently with child protective services. Still, he never felt that anyone was really giving him, as a man and a father, a chance. “It was like they were going through the motions, doing everything they were required to do, but they didn’t believe in me. It was like climbing a mountain and I could never get to the top.”

That was until Jamie attended his first Relief Nursery parenting class. “From the first day that I walked in to the Relief Nursery, the two teachers that worked with me made me feel like I wasn’t a monster and that I could get my kids back.”

“It has always been the philosophy of the Relief Nursery to give parents all the tools they need to be successful," said Executive Director of Programs, Sharri daSilva. “Respect, belief in a parent’s ability to create a healthier family environment, and regard for the power of a strong parent-child bond are at the core of all Relief Nursery programs.”

For Jamie, belief in him and his ability to be a good father and husband was the key to his success. He took a plea bargain and received a one-year suspended sentence. Jamie recently celebrated 18 months clean and sober, reconciled with his wife, and together they have regained custody of their two children and welcomed a new baby boy into their world.

“If you give to the Relief Nursery, you should know, that it’s worth it. Thank you for helping us make it.”

 

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