From Struggles to Strength: One mom's transformation
September 23, 2024

How a Single Mom in Addiction Recovery Transformed Her Life

to Become a Recovery Coach

As a single mother in addiction recovery, trying to balance work and school, Maggie Memmott turned to CAPCIL for support through the Head Start program. She never imagined she would find a community of people that would eventually feel like family. Maggie shared, “they didn’t just help my kids; they supported me immensely with kind words and encouragement, pushing me to believe I could achieve great things. And whenever my kids or I needed something that CAPCIL didn’t offer, they always provided the information we needed.” The CAPCIL community welcomed Maggie without judgment, cheering her on as she continued on her journey to becoming the best version of herself.


Growing up, Maggie was surrounded by addiction and had a front row seat to the devastating impact it can have on a child’s life. She endured both physical and emotional trauma leaving her feeling voiceless, anxious and scared. Sadly, school was no escape. Kids were mean and exacerbated the thoughts of shame, isolation, and inadequacy. Eventually, around age 14, Maggie began developing her own addictions and fell into the difficult path she had always known.


Maggie reached her lowest point when her children were taken away. As a loving mother who knew all too well the pain of growing up in an environment plagued by addiction, she found a powerful motivation to break the cycle and create a better future for her family. This journey demanded immense grit and strength, requiring daily resilience and perseverance. Despite the challenges, she fought tirelessly for her sobriety and ultimately regained custody of her children.


Support can be one of the most challenging barriers for someone struggling with addiction. Without the support of Head Start, Maggie wouldn’t have been able to attend school or work. Now, she is paying it forward by working at the Piatt County Mental Health Center. There, she has found meaningful work as a coordinator and recovery coach, helping those suffering from substance and alcohol abuse. Maggie’s story is a testament to the CAPCIL belief that by helping one person at a time, you can ultimately change the lives of many.


Samantha Carton

Freelance Writer

9/17/2024


Maggie is a dedicated mother with a child who has graduated from Head Start, another child currently enrolled, and one in Early Head Start. She has also received valuable assistance through CAPCIL’s LIHEAP program and CSBG Case Management, highlighting the range of support CAPCIL provides to families.

Journey to Success: From High School Diploma to CNA

By Breann Titus • April 21, 2026
When Rosanne Grzanich joined the Hand Up Project in January 2025, she was a shy 19-year-old who had recently relocated from Michigan to Illinois in search of a fresh start. She arrived with limited support, no personal transportation, and significant anxiety about testing, employment, and building a new life in an unfamiliar community. Yet, the simple act of walking through our doors was an act of courage. Rosanne had completed high school through her junior year and had been independently studying for her GED. She believed strongly in preparing herself and was determined to earn her diploma without enrolling in formal prep classes. After enrolling in the Hand Up Project, her goal was clear: complete all GED modules and enter the workforce so she could contribute, save money, and eventually retrieve the vehicle she had left behind in Michigan. In April 2025, Rosanne took her first GED module—the math test—and missed passing by just two points. For many, that might have been discouraging enough to step back. Instead, Rosanne immediately asked when she could retest. That moment spoke volumes about her character. Soon after, she passed the math module, gaining the confidence and momentum that would carry her forward. Over the next several months, Rosanne balanced multiple responsibilities. She secured employment, enrolled in a CNA program, and continued studying for her remaining GED modules. In September, she passed the Science test, followed closely by the Literature and Writing module. By October, she had completed the Social Studies module, leaving only the Illinois Constitution test standing between her and her diploma. At the same time, Rosanne completed her CNA clinicals and successfully passed her certification exam with an impressive score—demonstrating not only academic growth but professional readiness. Her journey was not without obstacles. Rosanne faced illness, underwent a surgical procedure, and navigated the challenges of balancing work, school, and recovery. Yet through it all, she never stopped moving forward. After healing from surgery, she completed the Illinois Constitution test and officially earned her high school diploma on January 29, 2026. In just one year, Rosanne transformed her life. She went from working toward her GED to securing employment, earning her CNA certification, and achieving her high school diploma. Her journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks do not define us—our response to them does. Rosanne’s perseverance, self-discipline, and unwavering determination have been inspiring to witness. As her Family Advocate, I could not be prouder of the confident, capable young woman she has become. Her story is exactly what the Hand Up Project is all about: providing support, encouragement, and opportunity—while our clients do the courageous work of building their futures. ~Submitted by Nicole Wilder, CAPCIL Family Advocate

From Uncertainty to Opportunity: One Mother’s Journey Toward a Brighter Future

By Breann Titus • March 24, 2026
Last summer, Paige made the courageous decision to leave an unsafe and unhealthy living situation. With her three children, she relocated to Logan County in search of stability, safety, and a better environment for her family. During that transition, they stayed on a friend’s couch while Paige worked to determine their next steps. By September, Paige and her children were able to move into their own apartment with the help of income-based housing. At the time, Paige was not working, so having rent based on her income created a crucial foundation of stability. With safe housing secured, she began thinking beyond immediate needs and started focusing on long-term goals. That’s when Paige shared something powerful: she wanted to earn her real estate license. She had already researched schools and found an online program—her only barrier was the cost. Together, we began working on scholarship paperwork and gathering the necessary documents, including her high school transcript, to explore funding options. In the meantime, an unexpected blessing arrived. Paige’s stepmother generously offered to cover the cost of her realtor classes. Paige immediately enrolled and began taking courses online, motivated and ready to build a new future. Then another challenge arose—her laptop broke. For many, that might have been enough to pause or postpone their plans. But not Paige. Determined to keep moving forward, she continued attending classes on her phone. While she made it work, certain assignments and features were difficult to access without a computer. When Paige mentioned the issue, CAPCIL staff reached out internally to see if we could help. With supervisor approval, we were able to lend her a laptop so she could fully participate in her coursework. Today, Paige is already halfway through her realtor classes. In just a few short months, she has navigated relocation, housing instability, financial barriers, and technical challenges—all while parenting three children and supporting her son Jaqson as he adjusts to a new school and community. Through it all, Paige has remained focused on creating a brighter future for her family. She has not allowed her circumstances to define her. Instead, she continues to push forward, setting goals and working diligently to achieve them. Her story is a powerful reminder that with stability, encouragement, and community support, families can move from crisis to confidence. We are honored to be part of Paige’s journey and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next. 💙 ~Submitted by Danelle Clutter, CAPCIL Family Advocate