News @ the 112

This story comes from an ESD 112 Family Support Specialist, Catherine (Cat) Vlach, sharing her journey of the hope she found as a parent and then as an employee.

In 2017, when my husband relapsed, my world was turned upside down. I felt overwhelmed, scared for my family, and uncertain about what the future would hold. During that storm, I found the ESD 112 Family Support Specialist program in 2018, and it became the lifeline I didn’t realize I needed.

The program provided stability and compassion during a chaotic time. It gave my children a safe, nurturing environment to grow, and it gave me something even more powerful: hope. The staff saw me not just as a parent in crisis but as someone with potential, strength, and resilience. They reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that my family could heal and move forward.

With their support, I started to find my voice again. I realized how important it is to meet families where they are, walking alongside them without judgment and trusting in their ability to rebuild. What was once one of the hardest seasons of my life became a story of resilience, compassion, and purpose.

The program didn’t just help my family survive, it helped us thrive. I am forever grateful for the dedicated teachers who believed in my children and in me. They didn’t just care for my kids; they cared for our entire family. Their encouragement, patience, and guidance supported us through one of the most difficult seasons of our lives. Together, we raised two incredible, kind-hearted children who know they have a voice and the power to use it.

Because of that experience, I now sit on the other side of the table as a Family Support Specialist with the same organization that once helped me through my darkest days. Every day, I support parents navigating their own difficult journeys. I bring not only my training but also my lived experience as a reminder that healing, hope, and change are truly possible.