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Raising Her Niece, Finding Strength
At 56, Rhonda never expected to be raising a teenager. But when her 15-year-old niece, Sierra, needed a stable home, she didn’t hesitate. Since June 2023, Rhonda has taken on the role of primary caregiver, a journey filled with challenges, growth, and love.
“I never thought I’d be doing this at my age,” Rhonda shared. “But when family needs you, you step up. That’s just what you do.”
Adjusting to life as a caregiver came with financial and emotional hurdles. “Taking in a child, let alone a teenager, wasn’t in my budget,” she admitted. “Sierra was dealing with severe anxiety, nightmares, and emotional outbursts from past traumas. I had to stop working because I couldn't leave her home alone."
Without a steady income, Rhonda struggled to keep up with household expenses. “I was behind on my utility bills and mortgage payments,” she recalled. “I was at the end of my ropes.”
That’s when ISDD stepped in. Through case management, Rhonda was connected to resources that helped her navigate financial hardships. “ISDD helped me find support programs to cover utilities, and they even provided some material assistance when we needed it most,” she said. “Without them, I would have lost my home. It wasn’t just about the money—they gave me hope and guidance when I didn’t know where to turn.”
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring Sierra had the right educational environment. “She was struggling in school, and I knew she needed a change,” Rhonda said. With help from her ISDD case manager, Sierra was accepted into a magnet program with dual enrollment opportunities, setting her up for future college success. “She went from making Cs to As and Bs—her confidence skyrocketed.”
Looking back, Rhonda sees just how far they’ve come. “The first few months were hard. I was crying, asking God, ‘Why did you put this girl in my life if I’m going to lose everything I worked for?’” she said. “But now, we communicate. We understand each other better. Before, she would react violently, but now she talks things through.”
A recent family cruise gave Rhonda a glimpse of just how much Sierra had grown. “She followed all the rules, checked on my mom when she got sick, and even budgeted her own spending money,” she said proudly. “That trip showed me how responsible she’s become.”
Sierra has also built her own support network through ISDD, meeting other girls with similar experiences. “She loves the support groups,” Rhonda said. “She’s made real friendships, and she doesn’t feel so alone anymore.”
For others in similar situations, Rhonda offers the advice: “Never give up on your kids. Always tell them they are loved. Encourage them to do better. Get on their level and have as much fun as you can with each other. Exposure and love are key.”
As for the future, Rhonda dreams of seeing Sierra thrive. “I want her to be successful, to get the best education, and to have every opportunity in life,” she said. “For me? I just want to see her make it.”