Meet Tiana's Family
Tiana shares, “I met my pregnancy and parenting support case manager, Erika when I was pregnant with my 3rd child. From the very first day, she called with so much joy and happiness in her voice.” “I immediately knew I was in good hands. Everything from bringing baby essentials, household essentials, to giving great references, and just being a great ear to listen. Ms. Erika not only did, but did with happiness!”
“I have a 10 year age difference in children so having a newborn was like being a first time mother all over again. Honestly, I don’t know how I would have made it without God and Ms. Erika.” “Even now, that my newborn is becoming a toddler, I still find myself needing her support. I will forever be grateful and appreciative of her, Catholic Charities, and all they have done for my family.”
Meet Meta
Meta was scared, 20 years old and living in an unsafe neighborhood. She was seven months pregnant and worried about having a baby. Her grandparents were worried about her too and knew that she needed more support than they could provide. Meta needed to find a safe place to live. She would also need help learning how to care for herself throughout her pregnancy and for a new baby. Meta and her grandmother reached out to Catholic Charities and were connected with the Pregnancy and Parenting Support team. Our staff helped Meta find a safe home and prepare for her baby to arrive. With help from Catholic Charities and her grandparents, Meta gave birth to a heatlhy baby boy. She is excited to continue working with the Pregnancy and Parenting Support team who will help guide her on her journey as a new mom.
Meet Kendra
Kendra enrolled in the Pregnancy Support program in 2018 and was experiencing significant emotional health challenges. She was 7 months pregnant, living with her parents and in an unhealthy relationship with her boyfriend. When Kendra began working with our Pregnancy Support Coordinator, they met regularly and checked in on how Kendra could focus on her tangible goals she set. “I feel so supported by my Pregnancy Support Worker. She helped me show up weekly with a new and improved mindset,” Kendra said.
She gave birth to a healthy baby girl and felt confident in her ability to breastfeed and understanding the importance of safe sleeping. Kendra now has a new job that she loves, and continues to check in with our Pregnancy Support Coordinator due to the great relationship they fostered.
Meet Naomi
Six months into a high-risk pregnancy, with two young children at home, Naomi came to Catholic Charities in need of support. Pregnancy Support Coordinator, Maggie, worked with Naomi to help her reduce stress and achieve a healthy birth. Naomi’s baby was born premature, and at 5 weeks old, her baby developed an intestinal infection requiring surgery. Naomi was struggling financially, and Maggie helped her apply for assistance to alleviate the cost of medical bills. Also, finding deeper mental health needs, Maggie connected Naomi with Catholic Charities’ in-home behavioral health therapist.
Today, Naomi and her children are in a better place. “I am so thankful for Maggie’s support,” Naomi said. “I couldn’t have found a better place than Catholic Charities!”