Many recipients of CCS services go on to help others, creating a ripple effect of kinship. Kaylee, a former Father Taaffe Homes mom, has made a difference in Brenda’s life.
Growing up, Kaylee’s mom struggled with sobriety. Being the oldest of her siblings, Kaylee was left to take care of her younger brother and sister. Soon after she discovered she was pregnant, Kaylee moved in with extended family. The home was small and crowded. She shared a bed with two, sometimes three, other family members. Kaylee was referred to Father Taaffe Homes by her counselor at school. She was looking for stability and structure for herself and her daughter, and she found it at Father Taaffe Homes.
“I’ve always been on my own,” she said. “So being able to be in a safe, stable home where there was always someone there to support you was really helpful.” Having their own space came with freedom that Kaylee had never known before. “At the Father Taaffe Home, we had our own room, so we would do little art projects,” she said. Kaylee enjoys sharing her love of art with her daughter and with other people. She hopes one day that she will be able to help others through art.
“I want to go into art therapy. I really love the whole idea of how humans work and why we feel what we feel and think what we think,” Kaylee said. During her time at Father Taaffe Homes, her school counselor helped her find a volunteer opportunity at one of Catholic Community Services’ group homes for adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Kaylee started as an art coach for Brenda, a resident in the CCS Adele Home. “I just loved that Brenda loved art,” Kaylee said. “I love to help people, even if it’s just the smallest thing, but for me to be able to help someone through art is an amazing thing.”