Richard’s Story
Sometimes second chances come from unexpected places. Richard’s story and second chance came from a meeting with OhioGuidestone Clinical Supervisor Cheryl Hines and her staff.
Richard was seeking a chance to reclaim his role as a father to his 6-year-old son who was in foster care under permanent custody. Richard had lost custody when substance use led to a prison sentence.
Now in recovery, Richard joined OhioGuidestone’s parent mentoring program. The personalized, one-on-one program addresses case-specific needs of each parent, which is how he met Cheryl Hines.
When OhioGuidestone first became involved in his case, Richard wasn’t receiving regular or consistent time with his son. Hines and her staff encouraged Richard to advocate for his rights as a parent and he did.
“It’s not often that we see fathers fight so persistently for their children,” Hines said. “Richard’s determination to reunite with his son was nothing short of inspiring -especially with the humility and gentleness he demonstrated, he absolutely deserved a second chance, and ultimately everyone came to agree.”
Listen to Richard’s story in the video below.
Richard’s Story from Seeds of Hope, Winter 2025.
Sometimes second chances come from unexpected places. For Richard Wyche, it came from a meeting with OhioGuidestone Clinical Supervisor Cheryl Hines and her staff.
Richard was seeking a chance to reclaim his role as a father to his 6-year-old son, who was in foster care under permanent custody. Richard had lost custody when substance use led to a prison sentence.
Now in recovery, Richard joined OhioGuidestone’s Parent Mentoring Program. The personalized, one-on-one program addresses case-specific needs of each parent, which is how he met Cheryl Hines.
When OhioGuidestone first became involved in his case, Richard wasn’t receiving regular or consistent time with his son. Hines and her staff encouraged Richard to advocate for his rights as a parent, and he did.
“It’s not often that we see fathers fight so persistently for their children,” Hines said. “Richard’s determination to reunite with his son was nothing short of inspiring -especially with the humility and gentleness he demonstrated; he absolutely deserved a second chance, and ultimately everyone came to agree.”
Richard said he is grateful for the loving foster care his son received, saying, “They did for me what I couldn’t do at the time.”
He looks back on what he used to believe was good parenting. “My actions, though illegal and destructive, were actually driven by my misguided sense of duty as a father and provider,” Richard said. “My estrangement from my son was never intentional.”
Removing himself from a toxic environment and gaining education on healthier alternatives enabled Richard to change his behavior and mindset.
The court increased Richard’s visitation time with his son, and progress quickly followed. He secured independent housing, which was the final step to getting his son back permanently.
Hines said, “Richard’s journey was not an easy one. Historically, like many marginalized individuals, he was profoundly impacted by his circumstances. Substance use and time in prison cost him his son.”
“When you know better, you do better,” said Richard regarding his emotional growth through OhioGuidestone’s parent mentoring, which he said made him a gentle and intentional father.
“It’s an incredibly humbling experience to witness a parent persevere through their darkest days, weary and separated from their children, yet refusing to give up,” Hines said.
Richard cherishes the time he has with his son, recognizing it as a gift not to be taken for granted. Richard’s story is a rare case of reunification, reversing a court-ordered permanent custody case. Even more remarkably, he has made his son’s foster family a regular part of their lives.
Richard said. “I want to teach my son how to be grateful, responsible, respectful, and kind; to be smart and not make excuses; to take care of himself and to work hard for what he wants in life. My goal is to be the best father that I’m supposed to be.”
Hines credits the success of Richard’s story to his commitment to his son and his faith in God for his transformation and joyful reunification, adding that she and the OhioGuidestone staff are honored and inspired just to have witnessed it.
To discover other inspiring journeys like Richard’s Story, visit our video page to hear from clients like Sierra and Isaiah.