S1 | E16 Crystal Barnett on Battling Addiction and Transforming Lives with A Mother’s Touch

The Real West Michigan

What if the key to a better life for single mothers battling addiction lies in one woman's journey through her own personal hell and back? Meet Crystal Barnett, founder of A Mother's Touch, who shares her powerful story from a challenging childhood in Grand Rapids to creating a transformative sober living program for single mothers. Through her struggles with addiction, we learn about the profound impact of her early experiences, including supportive teachers who offered her a glimpse of hope amidst chaos.
Crystal's tale is not for the faint-hearted. She recounts her descent into severe addiction, including her battles with crack cocaine and the strain it put on her family, especially her relationship with her daughter. Hear firsthand how her life spiraled out of control, leading to multiple stints in rehab and losing custody of her child. But within these dark times, Crystal found moments of clarity and determination, notably through the compassion of a CPS worker and the birth of her last child, which ignited her commitment to sobriety. We explore the complexities of her family dynamics, childhood rejection, and the emotional pain that fueled her addiction, all while witnessing her steps toward recovery.
Finally, we see the remarkable transformation of Crystal turning her personal recovery into professional empowerment. Her creation of A Mother’s Touch stands as a testament to the importance of stable housing and comprehensive support systems for mothers in early recovery. Crystal shares inspiring success stories of mothers reuniting with their children and transitioning to permanent housing, emphasizing the power of community support. This episode highlights not just her journey, but also the critical need for programs like A Mother's Touch that provide genuine support and hope for a better future. Join us as we delve into Crystal's mission to empower other mothers on their path to sobriety and a fulfilling life.
Takeaways for the Audience

1. The Impact of Early Intervention:
   Crystal’s story highlights the importance of early support from teachers and community members, which can significantly influence a child’s life trajectory.
2. The Role of Personal Struggles in Shaping Purpose:
   Personal hardships and struggles with addiction can lead to a greater understanding of others in similar situations, paving the way for impactful advocacy and support.
3. The Power of Community Support:
   The support Crystal received from various individuals and organizations was crucial in her recovery and underscores the importance of building a strong support network.
4. Resilience and Persistence in Recovery:
   Crystal’s journey shows that recovery is an ongoing process

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team. The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.
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Rozdziały

1. A Mother's Touch (00:00:00)

2. The Spiral of Addiction and Recovery (00:04:08)

3. Learning From Past Mistakes and Recovery (00:15:24)

4. A Journey of Recovery and Redemption (00:20:44)

5. Empowering Moms in Recovery (00:36:39)

6. Supporting Moms in Recovery Program (00:47:30)

7. Reaching Out for Mom Support (00:57:58)