06/09/2026
This past week, a mother of two young children arrived at our door in tears. She was overwhelmed, exhausted, and desperately in need of support. Although she had never used our services before, she had heard that we might be able to help—and we are so grateful she reached out.
Her circumstances were the result of months of challenges. Since the birth of her youngest child, she had undergone four surgeries in just seven months while also navigating a domestic violence situation. Her partner had even withheld her pain medication, expecting her to remain alert around the clock to care for the children. She was living in constant pain, running on little rest, and carrying the weight of it all without support.
What finally brought her to a breaking point was learning that her adult daughter was also experiencing domestic violence. Faced with her own struggles and concern for her child, she knew she needed help.
Although our nursery was already at capacity that day, our team immediately came together to make room. It was all hands on deck as we worked to care for her two little ones and give their mom the break she so desperately needed.
It was the first time anyone other than Mom had cared for the children, making the separation difficult for everyone. The youngest cried for much of the first hour, missing his mother. But before long, he began to settle in. His big sister kept a watchful eye on him between making new friends and enjoying activities in the nursery.
We arranged an extended 72-hour stay so Mom could rest and focus on her own well-being. During a follow-up check-in, one of our Parent Educators was encouraged to hear that she had successfully resolved the issues surrounding her pain medication and had also begun receiving treatment for postpartum depression.
She already sounded stronger and more hopeful. Before ending the call, she thanked us for loving her babies. Moments like these remind us why this work matters. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is a safe place, a listening ear, and the assurance that no one has to carry their burdens alone.
