Viktor* began working with The Pathfinder Network's Center for Family Success after completing substance abuse treatment for heroin addiction. At the time, his young daughter was in the custody of DHS Child Welfare and his visits with her were irregular and brief. He describes how lost he felt as he tried to navigate the social services system, not knowing where to begin or who to ask for help. He talks about feeling overwhelmed and close to slipping into relapse, when he heard about the Center from a member of the recovery community. They encouraged him to reach out for help.

Viktor's journey with the Center began in the Caring Dads class. He was surprised at how much he connected to the other dads in class. He felt validated. They, too, had struggled to meet their child's needs while in their addiction; they also felt deep shame for poor choices they made in their past. Once he graduated from the class, it was evident that he needed more support. DHS Child Welfare was still reluctant to trust him; and so his visits with his daughter continued to be sporadic. He describes how hard it was to apply the things he learned in class and his daughter's attachment to him was strained due to the limited time they'd had to bond. Viktor was residing in East County and his daughter was in foster care in Canby. The distance was a barrier. Then, he connected with an Early Childhood Home Visiting (ECHV) worker at the Center.

Within a few weeks, it was arranged for Viktor to get more consistent, regular visits with his daughter, twice-a-month for eight months. His ECHV worker describes how quickly she watched the bond develop between dad and daughter. "Viktor has good instincts. He is so good at following his daughter's lead. He gets down on her level and will play house, or zoo, or whatever it is that she wants to do. Their interactions are just beautiful." Viktor was able to integrate ideas from the Caring Dads program and the Parents as Teachers model relatively quickly. As his skill level increased, so did the confidence and trust from DHS. 

Now, Viktor has full custody of his daughter. He is employed, has stable housing and remains committed to his recovery.  When asked about his experience at the Center, Viktor had this to share: "I'm extremely grateful for the entire Center team! I feel like I am living life as the best father that I can be."

*N ame has been changed to protect his privacy