CHARLOTTE -- Thousands of families across the country were reunited with their children this weekend as Saturday marks the start of National Reunification Month.

Throughout the month, states will honor parents and caretakers overcoming adversity to regain custody of their children. Many of those families celebrated the milestone Saturday at Carowinds.

“I just know that I'm in a better place today. I feel better with my family back and I'm just truly happy,” said Courtney Lushbaugh, who is recovering from a drug addiction. “About a year ago, my life was pretty chaotic and it was very unmanageable.”

The mother's habit forced Social Services to take custody of both of her children.

“Having them take my children, it broke my heart and I just couldn't imagine my life without my children,” she said.

So Lushbaugh got her act together in order to reunite with her children. She says she will be clean a year July 1.

Hundreds of families across the state joined Lushbaugh in celebrating reunification day.

“Many of our families that we work with have issues around substance abuse, domestic violence, parenting issues, so families have worked with a number of people to address those issues,” Charles Bradley, of Youth and Family Services, said.

“These are the families that have been successful. These are the families that have removed the barriers and overcome significant personal adversity to be able to keep their family together,” said Mecklenburg County Judge Elizabeth Trosch.

More than 19 states participate in National Reunification Month.