‘Family of the Year’ awarded to county children services counselor

Woman reaps rewards after struggles

WARREN -- Jennifer Barbera had a decision to make, and now she's reaping the rewards.

On Sept. 20, Barbera and her family received the Public Children Services Association of Ohio's "Family of the Year" award after her substance use disorder recovery.

Barbera decided to leave an abusive relationship in 2020 with her infant daughter, Rockie. It was a difficult time in her life as she was also struggling with an opiate addiction and suffered an overdose in December of that same year, according a news release.

Rockie was placed into foster care through Trumbull County Children Services and Barbera agreed to voluntarily participate in a recovery program. That included the agency's grant program that provided her with a case worker and peer supporter, who had lived experience in recovery.

The release states COVID-19 was at its peak during the time and Barbera was attending meetings virtually. She completed a residential substance use disorder treatment program and became active in her 12-step program.

Barbera also reunified with Rockie.

Since January, Barbera has been employed at children services as an Ohio START Family Peer Mentor and gives back by giving hope and direction to other parent who are going through what she did, the release states.

"We are so fortunate to have her as a tremendous model for our clients. We're also grateful that we can learn from her every day as we help other families struggling with addiction," Kim Ruble, Recovery Services supervisor, said. "Jennifer and Rockie Barbera's prior involvement with Trumbull County Children Services is a remarkable story of overcoming adversity and the beauty of recovery on many levels."