Young mom finds safety and love
One of YU’s programs, Young Families, provides essential care and resources to new youth parents as they learn to care for a child. Program Manager, Louisa Hege, shares feedback from a young mom who recently became a volunteer:
What was life like before you were connected with Young Families?
I had just become a new mother at age 21 and was in a very stressful and toxic relationship. It was really hard on my mental health. I felt like I had no healthy way of getting away and had no place to decompress.
How has your life changed since you’ve connected with GVYU?
Young Families has given me a safe space to be me outside of everything I was going through. They have wonderful staff that allowed me to get a little break from my son. They took amazing care of him, which allowed me to connect with other moms and supporting staff. I felt like a person again. They gave me the support and love I needed. They made sure I got out of the house, even on days I thought I lacked the strength to—and I was always glad that I did.