Finding Support, Building Confidence: Jessica’s ECM Journey with Her Son Mason

When Jessica first connected with Fred Finch Youth & Family Services, she was doing her best to support her son Mason, an autistic youth with behavioral health and developmental support needs, while navigating complex needs and limited access to resources. Like many parents, she deeply loved her child but often felt unsure of how to find and coordinate the right supports at the right time.

Over time, her family’s journey moved through Wrap Connections and into Enhanced Care Management (ECM), creating a continuum of care that allowed support to evolve alongside Mason’s needs rather than starting over at each step. Instead of repeating their story or rebuilding relationships from scratch, Jessica and Mason were able to continue forward with people who already knew them and understood their journey.

Mason's story reflects the experiences of many neurodivergent children and families served by Fred Finch—families seeking coordinated, compassionate support that helps young people thrive at home, in school, and in their communities.

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Throughout this time, Jessica was supported closely by the ECM team lead by Carmen Pellerin in SoCal and the care team, who stayed present through transitions—checking in, answering questions, and helping the family navigate both challenges and progress.

As Carmen reflected, this consistency is at the heart of the work:

“This work is about showing up consistently for families—helping them stay connected to care and feel like they’re not navigating it alone.” — Carmen Pellerin CARES ECM Supervisor

For Jessica, that consistency made a meaningful difference in moments that often felt overwhelming.

At a recent event for our 11 Annual Golf Tournament, she shared openly about what that support meant to her.

“I appreciate you always being there to talk, to help—even when I’m having a hard day,” she said. “Even when I’m overwhelmed, I can talk things through with you.”

She also reflected on how isolating things once felt as a single parent navigating multiple needs and responsibilities on her own

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“So I think without that support, especially being a single mom, this year would have been a lot harder. I appreciate it. Thank you.”

As Mason continued receiving support, Jessica began to see meaningful changes at home and in his daily life. With coordinated services tailored to his unique strengths and needs as an autistic youth, he grew more confident, more engaged, and more willing to take on responsibilities such as helping with chores and participating in routines.

One of the most joyful milestones during this time was the arrival of Mason’s baby sister. Jessica shared how beautifully Mason stepped into his role as a big brother, often saying, “She’s my baby too,” and showing care, gentleness, and pride in his growing role within the family.

For Jessica, the most significant change wasn’t just in Mason’s growth, but in how supported she felt along the way. The ability to stay connected to a consistent team meant she was not navigating systems or challenges alone, even during difficult moments.

Looking back, she describes something she didn’t always feel before: hope. Hope in Mason’s continued growth, hope in their family’s stability, and hope in what comes next.

For Jessica, as a single parent, that sense of consistent support became especially meaningful during moments that once felt isolating.

“I feel like I’m not doing this alone anymore,” she shared.

For families raising neurodivergent children, including youth with autism and behavioral health needs, having consistent support can make all the difference.

At the center of this journey is the importance of continuity and connection. Enhanced Care Management is one of Fred Finch’s newer programs, launched in 2023, designed to provide whole-person, coordinated care for Medi-Cal members through managed care partnerships. ECM helps families stay connected across medical, behavioral health, and essential supports like food and utilities—ensuring care is not fragmented, but continuous.

Jessica and Mason’s story reflects what that continuity can make possible: stability, trust, and the ability for families to move forward together with support that meets them where they are and grows with them over time.