Stef's story begins in the shadows of a tumultuous childhood, marked by family chaos, the instability of moving homes, and the challenges of growing up in an environment where dysfunction was the norm. Surrounded by a family struggling to cope, with relatives in and out of jail and battling their own demons, Stef found herself in a world where hope seemed distant. Her life was a constant battle against the odds, not due to her own actions, but due to the environment she was ensconced in. Yet, amidst this chaos, a ray of hope emerged when Kim, a determined mentor with a heart for change, entered her life.

Kim's mentorship was more than a weekly meeting; it was an open door to a new world for Stef. Through arts, crafts, and shared moments, Kim offered Stef not just a mentor but a family, a stable foundation that had been missing from her life. This relationship was transformative, providing Stef with a model of kindness, consistency, and resilience that she had never experienced before. Kim's unwavering belief in her potential and her steadfast presence became the cornerstone of Stef's journey towards overcoming her circumstances.