“That is sufficient” | East Tennessee dad and mom can struggle for custody of kids via non-profit

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (WVLT) – A church in eastern Tennessee not only rebuilds the faith, but brings children together with their parents.

Being a mother is not a title that Kelly Parkey is given by default. Instead, the title had to be earned.

“It’s like the best gift you will ever get in your life,” said Parkey. “Once you’ve lost it, you’ll do whatever you can to get it back. And for my boys, I’m going to the end of the world to get them back. “

For years she could not get rid of her drug addiction, which kept her in prison and away from her two sons.

Eventually she lost custody.

“I remember seeing the DCS paper. And she said, ‘Hotel … sleeping on the floor of her cousin’s hotel room … repeatedly addicted. I said yes, that’s enough, “said Parkey.

In this dark moment she found a light that made her fight for her family.

Hill Church in Tazewell gave her a glimmer of hope.

Susan Stone runs the nonprofit Live Free and has helped parents like Parkey. The nonprofit offers a program that provides free legal assistance and other resources parents need to regain custody of their children.

“We also have a recovery program that also includes trying to help those who are not ready,” said Stone.

Aside from realizing that there are more than 9,000 children in government care, Stone said the mission was personal.

“I am losing a child to substance abuse and I feel compelled to help others,” said Stone.

A judge granted Parkey joint custody of her children, but with help from Live Free, she told WVLT News that she is seeking full custody.

The non-profit organization invites parents to a free reunification workshop in the church on August 28th. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is located at 1216 Cedar Fork Rd, Tazewell, TN.

Everyone is invited to join the non-profit organization and contribute.

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