Kaelyn’s Story: Holding It All Together, and Finding Support

“Trying to manage my mental health and my children’s at the same time… that’s been a challenge.”

When everything felt like too much

Two years ago, Kaelyn’s son reached out to her. Within weeks, he moved in with her, bringing along his girlfriend.

“He was struggling,” she says simply.

At the same time, Kaelyn was reconnecting with her daughters after years of separation. Life was shifting quickly, and the pressure was building.

“I felt overwhelmed. Lost. Unsure of myself as a parent.”

She knew she needed support. She just didn’t know where to start.

A connection that changed everything

The introduction to Foundry came through a friend. It was quick, informal, and right on time.

“That same day, my friend told me, ‘You need to get connected.’”

She did.

“And the rest has been history.”

Support that reaches the whole family

Kaelyn’s son connected with Foundry’s Family & Natural Supports program. From there, things began to change.

“He started learning about himself. He got into counselling. He started reconnecting with his siblings.”

Over time, Kaelyn saw something shift. Not just in him, but in their whole family.

“He’s been able to navigate life with a more positive outlook. That’s been huge.”

At the same time, Kaelyn accessed counselling and family support for herself.

“The biggest thing,” she says, “is that I didn’t have to do it all alone anymore.”

Making space to just be a parent

Before Foundry, Kaelyn felt like everything rested on her shoulders.

“I was trying to carry all of it.”

With support in place, that began to change.

“They took that pressure off. I could just focus on being a mom.”

That subtle but powerful shift gave her room to breathe, and to show up differently for her children.

A shift toward confidence

When Kaelyn thinks back to those early days, the contrast is clear.

“I was overwhelmed. Insecure. I didn’t know what I was doing.”

Now, two years later:

“We have hope. We have a system. We know what to expect — for the most part,” she adds with a laugh. “And we’re confident.”

That confidence shows up not just in her parenting, but in their family as a whole.

“We feel strong together.”

What support can make possible

Kaelyn speaks openly about the impact Foundry has had on her son’s life.

‘’Like, he was not even in school when he came to me, like he wasn’t graduating, he was done. He was struggling deeply.’’

Today, things look very different.

“We’ve got him into college. He’s got a job. He’s thriving.”

She pauses.

“I didn’t do this alone. I did the work — but I didn’t do it alone.”

A place that feels safe

For Kaelyn, what stands out most is how she and her family were treated.

“The staff are incredibly kind. Understanding. They make you feel safe and connected.”

It’s not just about services, she says. It’s about how people are met.

“They really see you.”

With the doors always open, Kaelyn and her family embraced all the support Foundry offered.

‘’We have accessed the Family & Natural Supports program. Two of my children are going to be accessing the youth peers’ program. We have done the employment program. They also have accessed the drop-in counselling. I have done the family navigation… they have supported every part of our lives where we were struggling, I can’t even say how much the Foundry has helped me and my family.’’

A message to parents

Kaelyn doesn’t hesitate when asked what she would say to another parent navigating similar challenges.

“Reach out. There’s hope. You’re not alone.”

She describes Foundry as a place that meets families where they are.

“They give you the tools, the skills, and the support you need. They really wrap around you.”

A message to young people

To young people who may be struggling, her advice starts close to home.

“Talk to your family, if you can.”

And if that’s not possible:

“Reach out to someone. Reach out to Foundry. They will help you.”

She keeps it simple.

“It’s worth it.”

Why access matters

For Kaelyn, access to support is critical, but not always easy.

That’s why the expansion of services to West Kelowna matters so much.

“Having support closer to home removes barriers. It means more young people can get the help they need.”

Not alone

When Kaelyn reflects on the past two years, one thing is clear.

Her family has come a long way – but not on their own.

“I can’t even put into words how much this has meant for us.”

She pauses, searching for the right way to say it.

“It’s been…amazing.”

Then, more firmly:

“We’re not alone anymore.”

Want to make a difference like Kaelyn’s story?

Support our Not Alone: Bridging the Gap campaign to help bring Foundry services to the Westside here.

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