Collete Rinkel: A Journey of Strength and Survival, Now a Child & Family Staff Member
My name is Collete Rinkel. I am a single mother of two, a survivor, and my own hero. Today, I share my story in the hope of inspiring others to find the strength within themselves—just as I once had to.
I am a survivor of domestic violence. Like so many others, I faced unimaginable hardship, and at one point, my abusers nearly took me away from my children and loved ones. But every day, I give thanks that I am here, not only surviving but thriving. I now dedicate my life to helping others who need the same support, resources, and guidance that I once desperately sought.
Today, I am a Family Support Partner at Child & Family. But before this role, I was a mother in crisis. After leaving an abusive relationship of eight years, I found myself homeless with my two children. For three months, I lived in survival mode—couch surfing and navigating countless obstacles—until I was able to enter the Supportive Housing Program in Newport, RI. That program became my turning point.
My journey to healing began through fitness. A year after giving birth to my youngest child, I found the courage to reclaim my life by focusing on my physical and mental strength. Fitness gave me the confidence and determination to break free from my past and eventually pursue it as a career.
During my time in supportive housing, I set goals and pursued them relentlessly. I earned my personal training certification and began training at Peak Fitness RI in Portsmouth. I utilized the RI Works program, which provided financial assistance and work-readiness support for low-income families. To make ends meet, I became a dog walker and enrolled in a nutrition school—aspirations I never thought possible.
But I knew that healing required more than financial stability. I focused on mental health and family support. I attended domestic violence support groups, participated in Circle of Parents (a Child & Family support group for parents), and ensured my children received the behavioral health services they needed. My son participated in Triple P, Kids Connect, and two in-home behavioral health programs, while both my children received support from the McNeill Institute to address the trauma they experienced.
After two years in supportive housing, I secured Section 8 housing and found a stable home in Newport, allowing my children to remain close to their support system.
In April 2024, I joined Child & Family as a Family Support Partner. When I first started, I didn’t even know what a “natural support” was. Now, I help families identify the resources and people in their lives who can strengthen their village. I am honored to work for Child & Family, supporting families like mine as they build their path to stability and success.
To anyone struggling: You are not alone. There is hope, there is help, and there is a future waiting for you.
– Collete
