Holden Family Finds Their Way Home
While every day isn’t perfect, the Holden family of six is grateful to face life’s ups and downs all together under one roof—especially after spending much time apart.
The four Holden children, two girls and two boys, ranging in age from nine to two, were placed in foster care a couple of years ago with One Family Illinois’ Lockport Village. From the very beginning, foster moms Miss Mickey and Miss Erica, who both cared for the children, were united in purpose.
“The goal was always to bring the family back together,” they both said.
Despite that shared commitment, progress to unite the family moved slower than expected. That began to change when Kayla Meske, a Child Welfare Specialist with One Family Illinois, stepped into the assignment with a fresh perspective.
“I went into the case with an open mind,” Kayla explained. “The parents needed to know I was on their side, and that I genuinely wanted to see their children returned home.”
As a Child Welfare Specialist, Kayla’s role was to oversee the children’s case while supporting Mom and Dad as they worked through required tasks to have the children return home.
A Circle of Care
While the family worked tirelessly toward reunification, Miss Mickey and Miss Erica cared for the children as if they were their own.
“Kayden was incredibly outgoing,” Miss Mickey recalled. “He had more energy than any two-year-old I’ve ever seen.” Hours at the park became a favorite routine, fueled by his love for the outdoors. Chase, a bit older, enjoyed riding his bike, reading, and relaxing.
The Holden girls were sweet, joyful, and full of life. Like their parents, all four children participated in therapy, learning how to express themselves, regulate their emotions, and feel safe again.
The foster moms’ care extended beyond the children to include meaningful relationships with Mom and Dad.
“Building relationships with the parents was crucial to the success of the case,” said foster mom Mickey. “We talked...a lot.”
Those conversations ranged from the kids’ favorite foods and potty training to tips for keeping a rambunctious two-year-old busy, safe, and happy.
Through shared meals, family visits, and frequent phone calls, trust deepened and friendships formed between the foster moms and the children’s biological parents.
Miss Erica—affectionately known to the children as "Auntie Erica”—reflected, “I truly felt like part of the extended family. Mom and Dad welcomed me, and we worked together in caring for the kids.”
A Parent’s Love
Meanwhile, under Kayla’s guidance, Mom and Dad rolled up their sleeves and committed themselves fully to the work required to reunite their family. They attended classes, participated in therapy, prioritized family visits, and built strong relationships with the foster moms, all while Dad worked two jobs to support the family.
“Everyone worked as a team, and that made all the difference,” Kayla said. “That collaboration created consistency and built trust between everyone involved.”
During visits, Kayla observed meaningful growth with improvements in parenting patterns, communication, and co-parenting. Parent Coach Ellie described the parents as a “breath of fresh air,” praising their motivation and willingness to learn safe, appropriate, and nurturing parenting strategies.
Home Where They Belong
As the parents continued to make progress, their wish to be together as a family was finally within reach.
“When overnight family visits started, the kids were ecstatic,” Miss Erica said. “They would come back telling me everything from how they went to church to what Grandma cooked for dinner. You could hear the happiness in their voices.”
By the summer of 2025, after a long journey marked by separation, growth, and healing, the children returned home to live with Mom and Dad.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the kids go home," Miss Mickey shared. “It’s hard to let them go, but it’s easier when you know they’re going to be loved and happy.”
Both foster moms agree that Kayla’s role was pivotal.
“She was phenomenal,” they said. “She put in the time and effort with the kids, the parents, and the attorneys to make reunification possible.”
“This was my first return home case,” Kayla reflected. “It showed me how much compassion, empathy, and a fresh perspective can truly change a family’s life.”
For the Holden family, it was both a happy ending and a beautiful new beginning.
*The last name and children's names have been changed to protect the family's privacy.
About One Family Illinois
Founded in 1990, One Family Illinois is an independent 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the safety and well-being of children. The organization fulfills its mission by keeping siblings together in foster care, empowering youth, strengthening families, and partnering to build thriving communities.
For more information, contact Kathy Wolf, Director of Communications, at (312) 388-0176 or kwolf@onefamilyillinois.org.
