The moms Catholic Charities serves are among the strongest there are. Although many have carried loss, trauma, uncertainty, loneliness, these mothers nurture hope for themselves and their children. They break through their past experiences and achieve brighter futures.
Last year Catholic Charities accompanied more than 61,000 mothers and families, providing healthy food and formula, housing and financial assistance, counseling, stability, and essential support — often changing the course of their lives. Below are three stories that show how this work, and the generosity of people who support it, are vital to families’ healing and transformation — creating stability for generations.
“I think about showing my children that if you put in the work to building yourself, you can become whatever, whoever you want to be.” — Xavia, New Hope Apartments graduate
Xavia has transformed her life from when she first came to Catholic Charities more than 10 years ago. Then, she was fleeing domestic violence with four children in tow. With support from New Hope Apartments, she found an apartment and received rental assistance. Safely housed, she secured a job and began to save money, returned to school, and in just four years, went from homelessness to becoming a director at a long-term care facility. Her career flourishing, Xavia started to consider how sharing her story could help others. In 2021, she penned her second book while launching her own publishing company. Today, she is set to release a third book — a memoir and self-help resource she hopes will help others experiencing domestic violence find a way to “let go of the shame and embrace their power.” She also hopes to empower her children with opportunities they didn’t always have. “I have three sons and a daughter. I think about what messages I’m giving through standing up for myself,” she says. “Being able to take control of my life and not just allowing life to happen to me. Giving them the audacity to pursue their dreams.”
“My son is my pride and joy. I am forever grateful.” — Dianne, Giving Hope Fund recipient
Dianne was starting out in her recovery from a substance use disorder when she first found Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The support she received helped her get back on her feet, maintain stable housing, and sobriety — and become a better mother to her son. But last year, she experienced five unexpected deaths in her family and wasn’t able to manage the expenses. Trusting Catholic Charities could help, Dianne reached out and received financial assistance from the Giving Hope Fund to help pay for her lights and gas — assistance she and her son needed to stay in their apartment. “I never had someone show me so much love and respect,” Dianne says. Now she passes that love on, including to her son, whom she encourages to pursue his goals — an eighth-grade diploma, a high school diploma, a college degree. “That’s what I want for my son,” Dianne says. “I want him to get something more out of life than what I had.”
“I became a stronger person.” — Kay, New Hope Apartments participant
Kay’s decision to leave an unhealthy relationship was a vital first step on a long journey to becoming the woman and mom she wanted to be. But for months after she made the decision, she and her children had no permanent place to call home. They stayed in a hotel for nine months while Kay worked in assisted living and took classes to advance her career. Life changed when Kay connected with Catholic Charities. New Hope Apartments absorbed the burden of rent for 24 months, allowing her and her kids to live in an apartment while receiving support from case managers. Now Kay is working as a wound care and hospice nurse. She is ready to buy a house and has her sights set on earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. “I’m grateful,” Kay says. “I call my story a blossom of life. I’ve become a stronger person, a smarter person.” Kay is proud of the example she’s setting for her children. “They saved me, that’s what makes my daughter push harder. She has seen me do it. I tell her, ‘Go to school, get your education. You can do it.’”
*Name changed for privacy
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