NILES, Ohio - There was hardly a dry eye in sight during Trumbull County Children Services luncheon Tuesday afternoon. 

The theme for the luncheon was most valuable player with two valuable recipients accepting the 'Rising Up and Moving On' award. Jennifer Barbera and Jaydin White are celebrating their strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. 

After having her daughter taken and placed in foster care as she struggled with substance and alcohol abuse, Barbera was ready for change. 

In an effort to reunite with her daughter, she leaned on the childcare agency to guide her during her recovery process. Now, with her renewed faith and her daughter back at her side, she's looking forward to staying on a sober path.

"All the changes that I've made in my life were because God was working through me and the people around me," Barbera said. 

Jaydin White, 12, survived abuse and neglect while experiencing permanent vision loss before entering childcare services treatment facility.
His support system helped boost his confidence and now he is aiming for a bright future.

"I want to be a zoologist," White told 21 news. 

Warren native, former Cleveland Browns player and guest speaker Tyrone Hicks recalled overcoming personal mental health and substance abuse struggles. He believes anything is possible when you want to make positives changes in your life.

"It's going to take hard work, it's going to take accepting your circumstances in order to move forward," Hicks said.