A year ago, my daughter and I were trying to start over.
We had moved to Asheville hoping for a fresh start after leaving behind a family situation that wasn’t safe. I wanted something better for my daughter—peace, stability, and a chance to build a life without fear. But starting over in a new place without family, friends, or a support system is harder than I could have imagined.
At the time, we were living in transitional housing for single mothers. I was also dealing with chronic pain and serious health issues that I didn’t yet understand. Eventually, I was diagnosed with endometriosis and had to undergo surgery. I was also diagnosed with ADHD and autism. The medical appointments and procedures meant I had to leave my full-time job when my employer wouldn’t accommodate the time I needed for treatment.
Everything felt uncertain. Housing was unstable. My health was fragile. And I was doing my best to take care of my six-year-old daughter through it all.
That’s when someone at the shelter recommended Angel’s Watch, a program in Asheville run by national non-profit Eckerd Connects, which provides temporary, nurturing care for children while families work through difficult circumstances. At first, I was nervous about the idea of someone else caring for my child, but from the moment I met the Angel’s Watch team, I felt something different.
They listened. Not just politely, but genuinely.
They wanted to understand what we were going through and what kind of support would actually help us. They asked thoughtful questions about my daughter—what foods she likes, what routines comfort her, what kind of environment would make her feel safe. They introduced us to host families ahead of time so we could be sure it was the right fit.
It wasn’t just childcare. It was care for our whole family.
While my daughter stayed with one of the licensed host families, I was able to focus on medical treatment and begin rebuilding. Over time, my daughter had several stays with Angel’s Watch families, and each one treated her with kindness and warmth. One of the host families even stayed connected with us after the program—we’ve gone to a concert together and kept in touch because the bond was so real.
When we lost access to food stamps, Angel’s Watch staff helped us find food resources. They connected us to supplies and support that made us feel like we mattered as people—not just as a case number.
When you’re housing insecure, everything in life becomes harder. Angel’s Watch helped fill in those gaps so we could focus on moving forward.
Angel’s Watch was truly a miracle for our family.
When most people face a crisis, they have relatives or friends who can step in to help. But for families like mine—who have moved away from unsafe environments or simply don’t have that network—Angel’s Watch becomes that safety net. They are there to catch the people who fall through the cracks.
These programs offer dignity, compassion, and practical help at the exact moment families need it most—and importantly, keep kids out of the foster care system.
However, funding for temporary care programs like Angel’s Watch is at risk.
Today, our home is stable. I’m now living with a loving partner, and together, we’re preparing to welcome a new baby into the world. My daughter is thriving. And I’m hopeful about the future in ways I wasn’t before.
Programs like Angel’s Watch make outcomes like ours possible. Without them, many families facing temporary crises may have nowhere to turn. North Carolina’s leaders should ensure that the support that helped my family survive—and ultimately thrive—remains available to the families who need it next. (use my judgement)
State leaders have an opportunity to protect programs that keep families together. I hope they take it.
If you are a parent struggling to keep things together, I want you to know there are people at Angel’s Watch who will be there for you and help you.
AUTHOR: ASHEVILLE RESIDENT
