Clarissa’s twins arrived early and had to stay in the NICU for a few weeks. After she brought them home, her marriage began to fall apart and divorce was on the horizon. Amid all of this, she moved into a women’s shelter.
There, she not only found Catholic Charities, but became an ambassador – telling all of the other moms about the Blessed Beginnings Pregnancy and Parenting Life Center.
With help from our generous donors, when a mom needs help to stabilize and care for her baby – or babies, in Clarissa’s case – we are here to help.
The Blessed Beginnings program offers pregnancy and parenting classes, case management, and material assistance like diapers and wipes to mothers of young children ages 0-3.
“The program has been a lot of help,” Clarissa said. “Having one baby is hard. Having double is a lot of work. It’s been a great blessing and they’ve gone over and above for me.”
Clarissa also has a 10-year-old daughter. The program has taught her the importance of making time for her kids, so she dedicates one-on-one time to her oldest when she can.
“We play outdoors, race each other, and just spend time with each other,” she said.
Clarissa is grateful for the items she receives from the program, but the outlook on life she has taken away from the program is much more meaningful.
“The sky is the limit with Catholic Charities,” she said. “It’s not just about the diapers. Of course, those are helpful, but the knowledge they taught me will stay with me for a lifetime.”
And it’s knowledge she wants others to receive, too.
“I spread the word about Catholic Charities in the shelter,” Clarissa said. “Even when these twins are 20, I’ll keep spreading the word.”
To help us provide more help to mothers in need, click here.
