Texas Family Care Network Celebrates

This week, we honored the incredible journey of families who have achieved reunification with the support of First Court, a drug court program lead by Pat Velasco and her amazing team! Originally started by the beloved Judge Larry Thorne, the program continues to thrive under Judge Randy Shelton’s leadership.

The courtroom was filled with smiles and tears of joy as we celebrated with families who reunited with their children.

A huge thank you to our parent advocates, local judges, family attorneys, CASA, service providers, child welfare boards and the amazing TFCN staff for standing by these families every step of the way. Your dedication is a shining example of hope and community support! And, most importantly the families who put in the hard work to make this happen. We are so proud of all of you!

Together, we are proof of what can happen when we come together for families

TFCN celebrates the incredible journey of resilience and hope embodied by Vidalya and her daughter, Willow. In October 2025, two-year-old Willow was removed from her mother due to concerns about substance abuse. Vidalya faced significant challenges, having grown up in foster care with limited family support and enduring previous losses as a parent.

But Vidalya was determined to change the narrative. She committed to making meaningful changes in her life, successfully completing substance abuse treatment, engaging in counseling and parenting classes, securing stable housing, and maintaining employment. Through it all, she built a strong support network of chosen family who encouraged her every step of the way.

In just six months, Vidalya’s hard work and perseverance paid off, leading to the reunification with Willow in April 2026. Their story is a powerful reminder that, despite adversity, lasting change is possible with determination and support.

In May 2024, brothers Weston and Easton faced a heartbreaking separation from their mother, Ashley, due to concerns about substance abuse and domestic violence. At that time, Ashley was navigating significant challenges, including instability and unhealthy relationships that made it hard to provide the safe environment her children needed.

However, Ashley’s story doesn’t end there. After her release from jail, she made a powerful commitment to change her life. With unwavering determination, she focused on her recovery, maintaining her sobriety, securing stable housing, and finding employment. Although she spent several months apart from her boys, her hope and dedication to rebuilding their family never wavered.

Through hard work and perseverance, Ashley made lasting changes and strengthened her bond with Weston and Easton. In August 2025, after a year of dedication, she was joyfully reunited with her sons.

Ashley’s journey is a testament to the power of second chances and the strength of a mother’s love. Her story inspires us all to believe in the possibility of change and a brighter future.