Families don’t skip stones at Saranam, they collect each stone as a milestone. The accumulation of stones strengthen a family’s foundation and ability to dream bigger than ever before. Milestones vary in size, yet each one is important to a family member and the entire family’s stability and sustainability.
2026 Milestones
This year, families set their goals and on their way to achieving them. When one is in survival mode, daring to dream may feel inconceivable or meaningless. As parents gain confidence from the life skill classes, learning to trust others, and embracing family routines they stabilize and can consider a future.
The first accomplishment each adult achieves is completing the application process for Saranam. There is a 19-page application, drug testing, a background check, and an interview. When all that is finalized, it is a success. Some families may apply multiple times before being accepted. Completing these initial steps sets the tone for program’s expectations and insight to the degree of focus an adult will need once in the program.
Here are some milestones from this year, so far:
- New babies arrived and others are learning to walk and talk
- Children graduating from kindergarten
- Elementary school children moved up to middle school
- Middle schoolers moved up to high school
- A parent got a car
- Learning about credit reports and getting their credit scores for the first time
- Some parents paid off credit card debt
- Families exited the program with secured housing
- Adults registered and attending college classes. For some it’s their fist time!
- Anniversaries for sobriety
- Making medical appointments and addressing health issues
- Kiddos getting library cards!
First-year Milestones
In the first year, families are adjusting to their new paths. They moved into a fully furnished home and made it their own. New routines are being established with the children and household. Adults are back in the classroom for the first time, perhaps, in many years and making educational goals and plans.
General family milestones in the first year are foundational. This is when families are shifting from survival mode to safety and stabilization. Some of those milestones may include:
- Completing a GED
- Make medical appointments such as dental, vision, primary care, or therapy.
- Enrolling babies and toddlers into childcare. For some this is the first time they have chosen a daycare center for their little ones.
- Completing hours of life skill classes (Life Management, Effective Communications, Parenting, Community Resources, and Employability Skills)
- Paying off debts and clearing off any previous issues on their credit report
After the first year, adults in the program attend a Step-Up lunch to recognize their milestones. Saranam leadership, case managers, and educational staff also attend to celebrate the parents’ accomplishments. Students receive certificates for completing the life skills classes and becoming mentors to the next cohort. Parents are excited about this event and appreciate being appreciated for their hard work. Through our partnership with UNM’s Evaluation Lab, the data found was if someone completes one year of the program, they are 95% more likely to be successful.
Second-year Milestones
In the second year, families’ skills and routines are expanding. Children are a year older and parents are primarily in academic classes offsite. Families continue attending family nights at Saranam. Engaging and embracing community is growing as well as, a new cohort coming into the program.
Common family milestones in the second year are educational, housing, and employment related. Some milestones may include:
- Continuing classes or completing certification programs
- Finding and securing a home for when they exit the program
- Children are completing other grade levels
- Other childhood milestones include losing baby teeth, making their first meal, or riding a bike for the first time.
Challenges Along the Way
No journey is free of speed bumps or the occasional stone to the windshield. Saranam has the expertise and support in place to be there every step of the way with the families. Case managers and instructors see the adults on a regular basis for case management, house checks, and classes. They see and hear when things might be getting tough for the parents.
“Seeing my case manager each week, then gradually every other week, was definitely helpful. She gave me very useful advice and guided me through my journey at Saranam”
– Saranam Alum
Families have challenges that may range from struggles with being in a supportive community for the first time, balancing and following schedules, self-regulating, and sobriety. During orientation week we hear how happily overwhelmed from parents that staff and board members are cheering for them and want them to do well.
“Saranam is not just a program—it’s a greenhouse for miracles. It’s designed to stretch you, challenge you, and love you all at once. Those uncomfortable moments? They’re breaking open the shell that’s kept you small. That structure you sometimes resent? It’s the trellis your future is climbing toward the sun. Give it your all- even on the days you only have 10% left to give. Show up, Ask for help. Trust the tiny spark inside you that said “yes” to Saranam in the first place— it knew what it was doing.”
– Saranam Alum
Cherish the Milestones
Milestones span a lifetime. From childhood to adulthood, they help build a life of resilience, discovery, and joy. As the stones create and fortify a foundation we hope families cherish each and every one of them, big and small. It is exciting for our families to see their accomplishments and the “a-ha” moments along their journey. We are grateful for those who stay in touch after they exit and share their milestones with us. For example, alumni are finishing their educational goals, buying houses, putting their own names on leases, and their children are transitioning into adulthood. Treasure your milestones!