The Why Behind KCSL’s Mission

Junior’s Story: Redemption Is Possible

Junior’s childhood trauma—being exposed to drugs, alcohol and gang violence—triggered harmful and destructive behaviors in his personal relationships. Handling his son’s behavior issues with violence was all he knew. But the shame he felt for his actions and for losing custody of his son was overwhelming. He wanted to change.

Junior’s turnaround came when KCSL entered his life. He learned that his behavior toward his spouse was an example to his children. He learned how to show his values without violence, how to show love. With time, patience and consistency, he eventually earned back his son’s trust that he would never hit him again.

Junior says that parenting is still challenging, but it’s better now that he’s engaged with himself and his children. His son sees an example of a good husband and father, and the cycle of violence is broken. KCSL truly changed his life and his family’s future.

Andrea’s Story: When Everyone Else Gives Up on You

Sometimes people need KCSL more than once. Andrea’s problems started in high school. Drug and alcohol abuse haunted Andrea for years. She experienced foster care as a teen, and subsequently became a teen mother, ultimately giving her first born up for adoption.

Andrea’s powerful story shows how she needed KCSL for a period of time in order to be drug-free for her children and repair her relationship with her parents. She now feels relief and joy knowing that she’s a good mom. “Thank God that I am clean for my children,” says Andrea. Now her children have a healthy environment and promising future.