Client Stories

Annie’s Journey

While expecting her child, Annie was not only experiencing a high-risk pregnancy and stress-induced seizures, but also abandonment by her boyfriend. It was during a hospital stay that she learned about Our Lady’s Inn. She was encouraged that her other children could come with her, though she feared what it might be like.

Annie lived at Our Lady’s Inn for four months and then joined our two-year Aftercare Program. She continued to work two jobs, while saving for an apartment. Her case manager assisted her in applying for housing programs that helped secure a safe place to live for Annie and her children.

Once she had stable housing and a good job, Annie knew it was time to continue her education and career! She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in social work, which she uses in her job at a local nonprofit helping expectant mothers. She often refers her clients to Our Lady’s Inn! She is also currently earning her Master’s Degree in social work.

Today Annie lives in her own town-home with her children and knows that she can call Our Lady’s Inn any time. She says that “the Aftercare Program is amazing-
I can’t say enough about it.” We know this is just the beginning for Annie and her family, and we are honored to be a part of her journey.

90% of moms participate in OLI’s two-year Aftercare Program.

Melissa

Expectant mom “Melissa” came to Our Lady’s Inn with her two children. She had a mountain of financial challenges, but was determined to provide for her family. This determination, combined with the support and services offered at Our Lady’s Inn, proved life-changing. During her 8 months stay at OLI, Melissa worked both a full-time and a part-time job. She attended in-house classes, taking advantage of financial management education which included classes on budgeting, saving, and household finances. And she put what she learned into action. Melissa cleared all her debts, established a savings account and purchased a car to get her children to daycare and herself to work. She worked on improving her interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills and attended classes on parenting and life skills development.

Melissa and her family recently moved into their own apartment- one that provides safety and stability. She now has a home where she can raise and provide for her children. As she noted upon her departure, “OLI was the support I really needed in my life. I’m now on the right path to success and not in a position of ending up homeless again.” Melissa reports feeling a huge sense of accomplishment. She recognizes that her hard work has made these positive changes in her family’s life possible. Yet, she is not finished striving to accomplish more. Her new goal is to utilize her strong administrative skills to embark on a business office career. She is focused on continued spiritual growth, along with physical and mental wellness for her family. Now, enrolled in our Aftercare Program, Melissa has ongoing support to help her achieve these goals.

Angel

Angel was working a part-time job while attending college like so many other young women. In mid- 2016, she found herself in an unplanned pregnancy and had no one supporting her in her decision to have her baby. She soon had no place to live.

She found Our Lady’s Inn but was not sure what to expect or how we could help. After speaking with a staff person on the phone, she reports feeling “a little hope”. There was a room available for her and she moved in right away. Angel had a lot to do once she moved in- many classes and meetings with her case manager, nurses, and counselors. We wanted her to be able to stay in school and graduate. We did all we could to support her in that. She still worked part time and Our Lady’s Inn provided transportation both to work and school. Sometimes we gave her bus passes and sometimes we drove her.

Angel delivered a beautiful healthy girl several months later and earned her bachelor’s degree in 2017! She was able to get a full-time job and move her little family into her own apartment. She is a good mom and loves her job “because I serve people and serve God”. She has recently graduated with her MBA, becoming the first member of her family to earn a master’s degree. We are so proud of her achievements.

“Because of help from Our Lady’s Inn, my pregnancy didn’t end my educational goals. They cared about me and still do.”

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

Client Stories

Annie’s Journey

Melissa

Angel

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