Posts

Finding My Way: A Reunification Journey

 Reunification Chronicles: A Journey of Healing and Growth As I sit here, reflecting on the journey that has brought me to this moment, I am filled with a mix of emotions. There is the joy of rediscovery, the pain of past hurts, and the hope for a brighter future. My blog, Mother For Change, has been a sanctuary for me, a place where I can share my story, my struggles, and my triumphs with the world. The Beginning It all started with a desire to reconnect with my roots, to understand the complexities of my past, and to find a sense of belonging. As a mother, I wanted to create a legacy for my children, a story of resilience, strength, and love. But life had other plans. The Journey The path to reunification is not an easy one. It is filled with twists and turns, ups and downs. There are moments of pure joy, like the first time I held my child in my arms, and moments of heart-wrenching pain, like the day I realized I had lost my way. But through it all, I have learned to hold on to ...

Laughter, Growth, and YouTube: My Mother For Change Story

 I am not a morning person, but motherhood has taught me to embrace the early hours... and by embrace, I mean hit the snooze button repeatedly while praying for coffee. But in all seriousness, motherhood has been a journey of growth, learning, and laughter. And I'm excited to share that journey with you on my YouTube channel, Mother For Change! As I share my story on Mother For Change, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel and join the conversation. With 37 subscribers and growing, our community is dedicated to healing, growth, and empowerment.  From reunification to motherhood, I share my experiences, insights, and expertise on topics that matter most. Whether you're a fellow mother, a reunification warrior, or simply someone seeking inspiration, my channel is here for you.  So why subscribe? Here are just a few reasons:  ðŸŽ¥ Exclusive content: Get access to videos, live streams, and behind-the-scenes footage not available anywhere else.  ðŸŒ„  Comm...

Institutional Domestic Violence: My Story & Your Rights

My kids were taken by DCFS, and I have faced institutional domestic violence through their manipulation and lies. My daughter was even burned while in their care. I am still fighting for justice. What is Institutional Domestic Violence? Institutional domestic violence occurs when institutions like courts, law enforcement, and social services abuse their power, causing emotional harm. Your Rights You are protected from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, sex, religion, and more. You have freedom from institutional domestic violence in settings like housing, workplace, school, voting, healthcare, and public spaces. Report Abuse 1. Online form: Submit a report on the US Department of Justice website 2. Phone: Call (202) 514-3847 or 1-855-856-1247 (toll-free) 3. Mail: Send a printed report form to the US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Get Help National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Local legal aid offices or lawyers Poem: Institutional...

Exclusive Amazon Shopping Inside!

Image
Are you tired of missing out on cashback rewards while shopping online? Look no further! As a savvy shopper, I am excited to share an exclusive deal with you Introducing my Amazon Affiliate Link - shop millions of products & support me!             Introducing my book - Love Unmonitored & a shopping bonus! How it Works: 1. Click to buy my book: Love Unmonitored 2. Shop on Amazon using my affiliate link for other purchases: (To be added once found, but for now we can just remove this step or add shop through my profile bio link if you have it there) 3. I earn a commission at no extra cost to you! Key Benefits: - Support your favorite author (me!) - Shop millions of products in one place - Fast shipping with Amazon Prime - Competitive pricing & deals daily Get Shopping Today! Ready to start shopping? Click my book link above and explore Amazon now!

🌅 Sunrise in the 90045

Image
🌅    Sunrise in the 90045 In LA's golden light, I rise with dreams, Three daughters weave my story's threads. D'Shelle, Emmalee, and Vonyae in foster care's embrace, Each face a chapter in my heart's space. Mother for Change, that's my call, From separation to reunification's gentle call. In quiet nights, with words I'll share, I'll craft stories that echo Love beyond air. Healthy bites, like salmon's gentle kiss, Recipes of hope in every bliss. Explore Life Skills guides my way, With Skills for Life Boutique, I'll seize the day. Yellow sunsets whisper peace to me, A 48-year journey, still finding glee. This is my tale of grit and gentle might, A mom, a dreamer, in morning's golden light 💛.

Life Beyond Doctor's Orders: Managing Pulmonary Hypertension at Home

This post is inspired by the L.A. Care webinar on Pulmonary Hypertension from Diagnosis to Treatment, presented by Dr. Dael Geft on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Introduction: Living with pulmonary hypertension requires more than just doctor's visits and medication. Managing symptoms and improving quality of life happens at home. Here are some tips for emotional well-being, physical comfort, nutrition , and more. Sometimes our posture is overwhelmed by our lack of a chair, a bed, or even housing – chronic aches and pains can become unbearable and get in the way of breathing. If you are tense because of an ache, or aching because of tension and hypertension and high blood pressure, there are ways to overcome what feels like total pain and start to feel healthy and relief. I. Emotional Well-being 1. Stress Management Techniques: Try relaxation methods like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization to calm your mind and body. 2. Mindfulness and Meditation: Explo...

Breaking Silence: Congresswoman Acknowledges DCFS Issues

Image
Update: Heard back from Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove regarding my concerns about DCFS! She appreciates my commitment to the community and invites me to stay in touch.  #DCFSReform #CommunityFirst

Bloggin' Like a Boss (In My Dreams)

Image
Hi everyone, just wanted to share my AdSense approval journey. I recently got denied, but I'm not giving up! Each blog post is a step closer to approval.   Listen to the full episode on Spotify.

Courthouse Chronicles: Checking In and Speaking Out

Courthouse Chronicles: Checking In and Speaking Out Just checked in at the courthouse and learned they don't call out names without checking in. Glad I asked!  While waiting, I reflected on my journey as a mother and advocate.  What are your experiences with the courthouse or advocacy? Share in the comments!

LA County Supervisors Claim to Care About Immigrant Families, but Actions Speak Louder than Words

LA County Supervisors claim to care about immigrant families, but actions speak louder than words.  Article Summary: Supervisors approved aid for immigrant families after ICE raids- Claimed raids targeted parking lots, workplaces, schools. Said hospitals and clinics saw rising no-shows due to fear. Directed departments to increase virtual services and awareness programs. My Thoughts: Are they truly helping or just covering their tracks after harming families like mine through DCFS? Link to article:  https://abc7.com/post/los-angeles-county-supervisors-approve-aid-plan-immigrant-families-socal-ice-raids/17029107/ 

Our Fathers Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallelujah be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on.       As it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive.     those who trespass against us And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from.  evil For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

Surprise: $343.44 settlement payment arrived!

Image
My Epson Printer Did not Work, But It Still Paid Me! Hi everyone,  I just got a surprise payment of $343.44 from the Epson settlement! In this post, I will share my story. My Epson Printer Experience I bought my Epson printer from Walmart about 5 years ago. I used it for about 4 years without any major issues. However, when I stopped using it for a year and then tried to use it again, it did not work properly - the colors were off and the prints were blurry. The Epson Settlement I found out about the Epson lawsuit about 3 years ago while scrolling online. I signed up for the settlement and waited... and waited... and waited. Finally, 3 years later, I received an email saying my payment of $343.44 was ready! Conclusion I am glad I did not throw away that old printer - it ended up paying me back (and then some)! If you own an Epson printer, check if you are eligible for a payout too.

Counting the Unseen: My Volunteering Story

As someone who's passionate about giving back to the community, I recently had the opportunity to volunteer for the LA Homeless Count. The experience was eye-opening and rewarding, and I wanted to share my story with others. I chose to volunteer for the LA Homeless Count because I believe it's essential to understand the scale of homelessness in our community. The count helps organizations and government agencies develop effective strategies to address this complex issue. During the count, I was part of a team that canvassed a specific area of LA. We worked together to identify and survey individuals experiencing homelessness, taking care to approach each person with respect and dignity. The experience was both heartbreaking and inspiring, as I saw firsthand the resilience and strength of those struggling with homelessness. One notable moment that stood out to me was when our team encountered an individual who had been living on the streets for several years. Despite the chal...

DCFS Secrets: How to Request Unredacted Records

DCFS Secrets: How to Request Unredacted Records As a mother, parent advocate, I have learned that requesting records from DCFS can be a daunting task. In my own experience, I have encountered delays, denials, and even profiling at the clerk office. But I did not give up. After months of persistence, I received some information – but not the records I requested. The County Counsel's office provided additional details, but the actual records remain hidden. These records are crucial in uncovering the truth about DCFS practices. They can reveal contradictions between social worker reports and actual events. But getting them requires patience, persistence, and the right paperwork. My Experience: After months of persistence, I received some information – but not the records I requested. Now, I'm requesting them through a 388 petition to ensure: My kids story is told correctly Transparency in DCFS records and decisions Informed decisions about my kids best interest Clarification of fa...

Michelle In the Community Privacy Policy

I consent to receiving newsletters and updates via email, and allowing my feedback to be used to improve recipes, create new content, and enhance user experience. I understand that my information will be kept confidential and secure. I can unsubscribe from newsletters at any time.

Tuesday Reflection

Tuesday Reflection Tuesday Truths: Rise from yesterday's ashes, Stronger, wiser, with heart that clashes Fear with faith, doubt with might, Tuesday's promise: a brighter light.

Our Fathers Prayer

  Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallelujah be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

This is my story

Image
My Unfiltered Truth – A Video Story. My Unfiltered Truth My Story I was living life fully, helping others and loving myself. His intensity drew me in like a magnet in a library parking lot. Our past collided. The red flags waved, his obsession seemed extreme. My Mind vs. My Heart My mind warned caution, but my heart leaned in. Intense attraction, obsession – even he was drawn to my beauty, inside and out. What was I drawn to? His passion, his fire... But little did I know, his passion would soon control my life. My Strength I had my own fire, a strong will, a big heart. I was a survivor, a thriver, a woman on a mission. My past was marked by love and loss, a husband who loved me truly, then left too soon... His memory stayed with me, a bittersweet refrain. What Went Wrong This new man's passion ignited something similar. It was intoxicating, alluring... I stayed for the high, but slowly the high faded. Lows remained, emptiness echoed... Where was the love? The game? What did I dese...

Four Hearts, One Mama 💕

Image
Dedicated to my girls: D'shelle, Emmalee & Vonyae – my loves, my lights. 💕 They bring joy and love into my life every day. 

10 Things I Adore About Each of You

D'shelle: her smile, laugh, kindness, heart, beauty, intelligence, spirit, generosity, humor, and love for life. Emmalee: her curiosity, energy, affection, playfulness, determination, joy, empathy, kindness, giggles, and snuggles. Vonyae: her giggles, cuddles, playfulness, curiosity, energy, affection, determination, joy, empathy, and tiny voice.