Sarah still has moments of anxiety and Kathy still worries about her. But because of you, they have comfort in knowing the tools and resources are there to support their family. What a gift you have given this family to build resiliency.
Answered Prayers
You’re the reason Sarah and her family are thriving
Kathy wanted to help her daughter – but with challenges from the pandemic – she didn’t know where to begin. Her daughter Sarah was pregnant and had lost her job. She struggled to find work, much less a job that would be flexible for prenatal care and still be there after she gave birth. But then she wondered, what would she do for child care?
“Sarah was overwhelmed when Aiden first came. She struggled with anxiety her whole life, and now with a baby, that panic just sky rocketed,” Kathy shared.
Sarah felt the panic of new motherhood. She didn’t have a job, and no one besides her mom and his father to help. Then Kathy heard about a new program opening in the community that might be an answer to all of her prayers — for her daughter and Aiden. Because of your generous support Early Head Start (EHS) was there.
Kathy was determined to help her daughter. She got Aiden’s application done just weeks after he was born. During that process she learned that the program could meet Aiden’s needs, and also provide wrap around support services for his parents too. What a blessing you have provided for this family.
Aiden was one of the first children in the door when the EHS center opened. His Grandmother Kathy, was overjoyed the day she found out he was officially in, “I knew his life was about to get so much better, my daughter’s life and Aiden’s daddy too.”
“When he first started with EHS, they were just doing virtual so twice a week Sarah or myself would meet with the teacher and just get to know them and they would talk to Aiden or read him a book. Honestly, as much as we needed childcare and to be in person, it was almost a blessing that we had those first weeks virtual so Sarah could get to know the teacher before leaving Aiden with her.”
The more she got to know Aiden’s teacher Ms. Jackie, Sarah’s anxiety began to calm down. As a part of the program, she was paired with a Family Engagement Specialist who helped her apply for jobs that would work around the center’s childcare hours.
Now after nearly a year of being a part of EHS, this family is thriving. Aiden has surpassed milestones making friends his own age, a strong relationship with his teachers, and is all smiles at the end of the day. Sarah found a steady job that gives her the flexibility she needs as a mom. She has also built an incredible bond with Aiden’s teacher and looks forward to hearing all about his day at pick up.
Because of you Sarah has gained the confidence and security to build a life for her and her son. You opened doors so Kathy could help her daughter blossom into an amazing mother and make sure Aiden had a safe environment to grow and explore.
You transformed Sarah’s life, and have given her son Aiden a great head start. Without you, he would have had a very different journey. Every day there are mothers, who much like Sarah, need someone to walk with them and find a way to build stability for a better life. Not just for themselves, but for their children. Because of you and your support, help, and resources are ready and waiting for a mother in need.
Learn more about the Early Head Start program at HumanKind by visiting here.