Heritage Children Services Somerset

10/02/2025

10/02/2025

09/24/2025

Homemade cake, a golden toilet coffee mug & 7/8 kids singing to me. Yep, it’s my birthday!

Ten years ago my 27 year old self would be shocked to see me now. But 37 year old me wouldn't have it any other way.

P.S. do you know how hard we worked to get a picture where most of the kids were actually looking & smiling!? & no ones face has to be covered up! It's a birthday miracle!

09/24/2025

“He just needs a spanking.”
I’ve heard that phrase a time or two over the years. What people don’t understand is that sometimes what looks like a meltdown is really something much deeper.

Because he came to us as a baby, many assume he couldn’t possibly carry the weight of trauma. “He doesn’t remember life before you,” they say. & I wish it worked that way. But the truth is—trauma impacts even the youngest of children. Yes, even infants removed at birth.

Not carrying him for nine months doesn’t make him any less my child. But it does mean his beginning looked different than if I did. No prenatal care, poor nutrition, substance exposure, high stress during pregnancy & delivery. All of that is trauma before a baby even takes their first breath. & then there’s the separation from the only body he’d ever known. That in itself is trauma.

What I’ve learned is that trauma is tricky. It literally reshapes the brain. The wounds aren’t always visible, but the effects show up in ways people often misinterpret. Parenting a trauma-impacted child is one of the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It goes against every natural instinct not to lose my patience when his behaviors spiral. But I can’t. Because I know this isn’t “bad behavior”, it’s his body sounding an alarm he doesn’t have words for.

His brain may not hold the memories. But his body sure does.

09/18/2025

🌟 Meet Your Home Resource Coordinator: Nikala Davis 🌟

We are so excited to introduce you to one of Heritage’s newest Home Resource Coordinators, Nikala Davis!

Nikala has been with Heritage Children Services as a Therapeutic Case Manager for the past several months, where she worked closely with many of our foster families. In that time, she built strong relationships that will serve her well in her new role as HRC.

Here’s what Nikala had to say about her journey:

“My name is Nikala Davis, and I was recently hired as an HRC (Home Resource Coordinator) for Heritage Children Services after previously serving as a TCM (Therapeutic Case Manager). I can honestly say that I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of Heritage Children Services. This organization has taught me so much— from both the TCM and HRC perspectives.

Working alongside the children and their foster parents has been an honor. I’ve witnessed the deep love and compassion shared between foster youth and the families who care for them. It’s my hope to reflect that same love and compassion in every interaction I have with the families we serve.

As a parent myself, I believe it’s essential for both children and caregivers to have a strong support system— and I truly feel that Heritage Children Services provides that. My goal is to be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a smiling face for these kids and their families. I never want anyone to feel alone. I want to be someone they can count on, whenever they need a helping hand.

I love my families and my kiddos deeply. I just hope I can make a positive difference in their lives— just as they’ve made a positive difference in mine.”

Please join us in congratulating Nikala on her new role and thanking her for the heart, care, and dedication she brings to the Heritage family every day! ❤️💙💛

09/18/2025

Our Connection Tool "Staylistening" is a wonderful addition to this list. Staylistening is where we allow our children to let all their emotions out while we Listen with warm attention and empathy.

Thanks, Motherhood and Montessori via Children's Mental Health Matters

09/18/2025

09/16/2025

🌟 Meet Your Home Resource Coordinator 🌟

We are so excited to spotlight Betty Rose, an incredible asset to our Heritage community!

Betty has been serving as a Home Resource Coordinator since August 2024, and before that, she dedicated numerous years as a Therapeutic Case Manager. Her heart for families and children shines through in everything she does.

In Betty’s words:

“My position at the company allows me to work 1:1 with families to ensure that children in Kentucky receive trauma-informed care. We work with the most dedicated parents in the state. I love the feeling of opening a new home and hearing their stories and the feeling of hope and compassion. I love the wisdom that our experienced families bring. The position of Home Resource Coordinator has sparked a passion in me for this field. I get to work hand in hand with the people that are the biggest part of making a difference in the lives of children. We are building a community, a legacy, a true Heritage. And that is an honor. Even though my job is to train, these parents are constantly teaching me the meaning of true love, empathy, compassion, dedication, and grace. This is how cycles are broken.”

We are so grateful for the passion, care, and wisdom Betty brings to Heritage every single day. 💙❤️💛

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

🌟 Meet Your Therapist: Ashley Dutton 🌟

We are so excited to introduce Ashley Dutton, one of the newest members of our Heritage team! Ashley has already proven to be a wonderful asset to our agency, bringing passion, dedication, and heart into the work she does with foster youth and families.

Ashley shares one of her favorite quotes:
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain

Ashley says, “My why lies within the literal and figurative walls of Heritage Children Services.”

We are so grateful to have Ashley on our team and can’t wait for our families and youth to get to know her better! 💛❤️💙