Like most families, Walla Walla, Wash. couple Stephen and Kendra Barfoot were impacted by COVID-19 as they fought to find a “new normal” amid the challenges of 2020. Parents to six-year-old Scarlett and 3 ½ year-old Noah, the Barfoot family has benefitted from the Early Head Start and Mobility Mentoring Bridge programs offered through Children’s Home Society of Washington (CHSW) since their children were born. When COVID-19 hit, they could not lose sight of the goals they had set for their family.

Battling debt, job transitions and frequent changes of address, Stephen and Kendra desperately sought a plan to help them manage multiple, large life tasks in a systematic way. Through their work with Children’s Home Society of Washington, they implemented the Mobility Mentoring Bridge program, which helps families create a long-term, attainable financial plan for fiscal health and wellbeing. With the help of their CHSW team, Stephen and Kendra created a realistic budget to tackle their mounting debts, while saving for their own home. This consisted of a payment schedule that Kendra diligently tracked to help pay down debt and build credit. Stephen also took extra shifts at his job and secured his driver’s license to increase his accessibility to resources.

“We knew we needed outside support to get our family on track to succeed in all areas of our life,” said Kendra. “When we came to CHSW at the start of our journey, everything was overwhelming but over time, we were able to set realistic and attainable goals that Stephen and I could feel good about.”

While COVID unsettled the world, the Barfoots remained focused on their goals during the pandemic. Kendra decided to get her CNA certification, and is now waiting on her completed licensing, which has been delayed due to COVID. To continue paying down their debts, she opted to get a second job utilizing her caregiving skills. Similarly, Stephen picked up overtime at his job to bring in additional income for their family.

“Unlike others hard-hit by COVID, this family has found ways to continue thriving, even during hard times. Noah is still enrolled in the Early Head Start program, Scarlett has excelled since graduating, and the parents have come so far with their Mobility Mentoring Bridge work,” said Amanda Lemus, Early Head Start home visitor specialist at CHSW. “The family has made good use of their stimulus money to continue reducing their debt and have been able to achieve their biggest dream – owning their own home. They enjoy seeing themselves move up on the Mobility Mentoring Bridge and want to continue achieving and setting new goals for their family.”  

The family regularly talks to their CHSW team about creating new goals and continually puts their plans into action. Times have been tough, but this family continues to succeed no matter the obstacle. They are looking forward to a budgeted family vacation this summer.

Kristen Conte is the director of marketing and communications for Children’s Home Society of Washington.