From foster care to motherhood

Growing up, Sierra was in foster care, faced mental health challenges, and experienced homelessness on-and-off since entering adulthood. All these adversities shaped what kind of parent Sierra knew she wanted to be: she promised herself that her daughter would not go through what she had.

Earlier this year, when Sierra connected with Catholic Charities’ Supported Parenting program, she was quick to boast about her newborn daughter, Samaya. With Catholic Charities’ help, Sierra secured housing in a safe neighborhood, connected with resources to furnish the new home, and was provided with much-needed baby care items and clothing.

Perhaps most importantly, her family support worker helped her connect with her childhood therapist in order to reinitiate therapy. This has helped decrease the severity and regularity of the unpredictable mental health episodes she still experiences. As Sierra has grown to be more confident in herself and as a parent, she made the courageous decision to ask Catholic Charities to help her sign up for school and apply for financial aid.

Fast forward to now: Sierra is attending community college and is ready to enter the workforce. Samaya is a healthy and happy baby who is on track developmentally. “I’m not sure where I or my daughters would be if not for my Family Support Worker and this program,” Sierra says. “I’m in a much better place and want my daughter to be proud of me.”

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