When Kaitlyn and her mother were living at the House of the Good Shepherd, a Catholic Charities domestic violence shelter, she received a letter that would change her life.
“I was accepted into my dream school — the University of Chicago,” said Kaitlyn, who recently graduated after earning a full-ride, four-year scholarship to the prestigious university.
The wraparound services at the House of the Good Shepherd Ministry empowered both Kaitlyn and her mother to leave behind the cycle of violent homes, step out of poverty and embrace a future of hope and independence. For the first time, they had a stable and safe home, a community of support and the resources they needed to improve their lives.
While Kaitlyn focused on her studies, her mother attended a variety of classes including English as a Second Language, completed her GED and participated in healing circles. Her mother was also connected with employment and rapid rehousing, which assisted her with rent payments until she was self-sufficient.
We know that when we support and lift up mothers, the strength and healing of our programs often reverberate across generations. This was certainly the case for Kaitlyn and her mother.
Sharing hope with mothers like Kaitlyn’s is at the heart of Catholic Charities’ mission. Every year, we accompany more than 60,000 mothers with compassionate, high-quality programming that spans every stage of parenthood — from the joyous to the challenging:
• Our doulas help mothers advocate for healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.
• Our parent support teams champion mothers during their babies’ critical early years.
• Our food and nutrition programs help mothers put fresh, nutritious meals on the table.
• Our housing specialists work with mothers to prevent homelessness.
We’re here in a myriad of other ways, too, through mental health counseling, case management, and employment assistance, plus essentials that are often out of reach, such as diapers, school supplies, clothing and holiday gifts for children.
There’s no better time to support mothers, especially as you honor and celebrate the mother figures in your life this Mother’s Day. Make your gift today at catholiccharities.net/mothers or in the envelope inserted in this edition of Chicago Catholic, and send the message that you believe all deserve to know God’s love, care, and mercy.
That’s how together we share hope at Catholic Charities — with courage, care, and compassion — one mother, one family at a time.