How LSF’s SNAP Program Helped Transform One Family’s Future
For years, Alison was a single mother in Southwest Florida, struggling to balance work, parenting and constant worry over her daughter, Victoria. At just 8 years old, Victoria was struggling with ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, sensory processing disorder and anxiety. The weight Alison was carrying had become heavier then she could handle.
“There was a point where I was barely making it through my days,” Alison said. “I was mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted.”
Victoria was struggling as well. She was lying, stealing, having emotional outbursts and running away from home when she became overwhelmed. At times, even simple daily routines like getting ready for school or taking a shower could escalate into crisis situations.
Alison said her daughter’s hopelessness and emotional pain became impossible to ignore. Victoria had been Baker Acted twice after running away and was physically aggressive toward both Alison and her grandfather.
Still, Alison never stopped searching for help.
“As her mom, I constantly worried about her safety, emotional well-being and how to best help her,” Alison said. “I wanted Victoria to feel safe, heard, seen, loved and cared for. I knew I couldn’t do it alone.”
That search eventually led Alison and Victoria to LSF’s SNAP® program, an evidence-based, family-focused intervention designed for children ages 6 to 11 struggling with behavioral challenges. SNAP — which stands for Stop Now And Plan — teaches children and caregivers how thoughts, feelings and actions are connected while building practical tools for emotional regulation, communication and problem-solving.
When Cooper Ford, an LSF SNAP Case Manager, first met the family, Alison felt defeated. She had already participated in parenting classes and counseling, but nothing seemed to reach Victoria in a lasting way.
“The caregiver felt like she was out of options,” Ford said. “She wanted tools for herself, but she also wanted Victoria to have support and skills of her own.”
At first, Alison was skeptical the program could make a difference. “I remember asking, ‘Are you sure this is going to work? Especially in only 13 weeks?’” she said with a laugh. “There’s no way.”
To Alison’s surprise, within a few weeks, she saw a shift in Victoria’s behavior.
Victoria started using SNAP skills at home, in the car and even at school. She began developing backup plans and calming strategies for moments when she felt overwhelmed. Around week five or six, Alison noticed her daughter teaching the techniques to friends and teachers.
By the end of the program, the changes felt remarkable.
Victoria had achieved 13 straight weeks of perfect school attendance, a remarkable feat for a child who previously struggled just to get out the door in the mornings. The urge to run away had dramatically decreased. Instead of escalating emotionally, Victoria began coming to her mother when she felt overwhelmed and needed help regulating her emotions.
“She said during our discharge meeting that she finally felt calm and confident,” Ford said. “That was a huge step forward.”
The transformation extended beyond Victoria, her family felt it too.
Wednesday nights at SNAP became a source of generational healing. Alison’s mother also participated in sessions, learning new ways to communicate and connect with her granddaughter. What once felt like a household trapped in survival mode slowly became a home built on understanding and support.
“During the SNAP program, I felt supported instead of judged,” Alison said. “For the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful about the future.”
Today, Alison speaks openly about her experience because she knows other parents may be carrying the same fears and exhaustion she once did.
“I want parents to know support is available,” she said. “SNAP provides tools, support, understanding and hope. It strengthened our relationship as mother and daughter and gave us a healthier path forward together.”
This Mother’s Day, we believe Alison has a lot to celebrate. She is celebrating progress. She is celebrating calmer mornings, meaningful conversations and the small moments that once felt impossible. Maybe most importantly of all, she is celebrating with a daughter who now sees confidence and possibility in herself.
At LSF, stories like Victoria and Alison’s are why programs like SNAP matter. Every day, LSF works alongside families across Florida to help children build emotional resilience, strengthen family relationships and create healthier, more hopeful futures together.
