When I Met Amy
Brian Kennedy is a Recovery Coach for Taylor County Family Resources. He has two years’ experience in this role. Kennedy’s ultimate goal is to get his addicted contemporaries in the stage of recovery! He also is aspiring to educate those younger than himself about the dangers and consequences of succumbing to addiction. Kennedy’s biggest achievement, if you ask him, is getting a particular couple into treatment and seeing them thrive after. Brian has gotten over 500 people into treatment but is humble about his talent to be relatable. He strives to be accountable and genuine with his experiences to help others. Kennedy loves outdoor activities like ginseng and morel harvesting, hunting (with a camera) and fishing. His north star is working on moving forward and helping others to do the same.
I was driving a cab when I met Amy. One early morning in the middle of winter she got in my cab, and I remember she was in her pajamas, she never said a word. I could tell what was going on with her, but it is my job to never say anything. I just kept to myself. I took her to her destination. Then over the next few days, I started to pick her up a lot, going back and forth from the same places. One day, I finally introduced myself and told her a little about myself. One of the main things I mentioned is that I am a recovery coach. I just had that feeling that she needed help. I asked her if she had heard of Taylor County Struggles Support Group and she said no, she hadn’t. So, I gave Amy all the info I could…
Months went by and we started to become friends. Amy started to open up about herself and the issues she had. As we talked more and got to be closer friends, she told me she was pregnant. And that she was in active addiction. After sharing that, we talked about some “court things” that were going on with her and her family. As I tried to help her, she up and disappears on me! I didn’t see her for some time, and I was worried about her. Did something really bad happen and I just didn’t know?
I never forgot about her. I wondered what happened.
One day while I was sitting at work (we have huge storefront-type windows in the front of our offices) I saw her, out on the sidewalk. I had changed jobs you see; I was no longer driving cabs. She appeared as she disappeared! The connection we shared seemed to have not faded and we started to talk. She agreed to speak with a patient navigator when I made the referral to the IMPACT program and got enrolled in the 0 to3 program. That’s what I call the services “0 to 3” … DHHR and the court system has put her through a lot–everything but the “kitchen sink” has been thrown at her! “I am tired” she said to me but, she kept fighting. Fighting for her life and her kids’ lives. She has wanted to give up several times but didn’t. She would call me, crying and broken. I would tell her to push harder and show those people you’re not going fail. After many talks and a lot of tears, Amy refused to give up and I refused to give up on her. I knew she had it in her to survive and beat her addiction…I just had that feeling.
“Brian, I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she’d say…And I would say back, “I did nothing. It was you the whole time.”
I see myself as a voice helping guide sometimes. A few words when someone is discouraged is like jet fuel to the brain.
Amy is almost two years free from use now. The court system went as far as to do a hair follicle drug test on her to determine any more drug use, and guess what? Amy passed.
She now gets “overnight visits” with her son and is still going strong! She has her own place; a steady job and life keeps getting better for her. She’s helping other folks, thanks to herself, Taylor County Resources and the IMPACT program. She is one of my biggest success stories and I am proud of her. But mostly, I am humbled to have been a small part of this journey with her.
I seek more adventures in my own recovery and in recovery coaching others! Plus, I have asked Amy to join Taylor County Struggles and help me guide the way for others!
Quick Tip:
Sign up for a Home Visiting Program! These programs are so helpful to new moms! They can help get you things that you need and teach you tricks on being a new mom and raising your baby. These programs will come right to your home and don’t worry, they do not judge you about ANYTHING and are just there for support! Click here to sign up
Get Connected
Being a new mom is much easier, when you have a group of other new moms who you can reach out to with questions and for support!
You are not alone!
Did you know that there is a Facebook group for Mothers on MAT?
Quick Tip:
Sign up for a Home Visiting Program! These programs are so helpful to new moms! They can help get you things that you need and teach you tricks on being a new mom and raising your baby. These programs will come right to your home and don’t worry, they do not judge you about ANYTHING and are just there for support! Click here to sign up
Get Connected
Being a new mom is much easier, when you have a group of other new moms who you can reach out to with questions and for support!
You are not alone!
Did you know that there is a Facebook group for Mothers on MAT?