BE THEIR VILLAGE
Olivia’s Story
Olivia is 19 years old, houseless, and a mom with her 2 month old baby boy, Matthew.
This is her reality…
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I have been in the foster care system and was abused by the ones who were supposed to love me. I have no friends or family to rely on. I feel so alone.
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Mother’s Refuge comes alongside young moms showing appropriate boundaries, love, and kindness. We become the forever family they can count on.
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I have been living on the streets, and on people’s couches in unsafe environments, this has been my life. I have no money and even if I did there are no places I can afford to rent.
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Mother’s Refuge provides a safe and stable home through our Maternity Shelter and Transitional Living Program for homeless moms and their children for up to five years, breaking the cycle of homelessness.
No Savings or Financial plans
Lack of Medical Care
No Safe Sleep for Baby
No Diapers
No Reliable Transportation
Lack of Clean Clothing
Education
Hungry Baby – Malnutrition
No Support System
No Safe & Stable Home
Lack of Proper Nutrition
Unpaid Bills
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I tried living on my own, but the bills were just more than I could afford. I’m never going to be able to pay them off and rebuild my credit.
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Mother’s Refuge is free of charge so that young moms can work and pay off past debt. We provide professional financial coaches to help repair credit ratings providing hope for their future.
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I don’t know where I am going to get my next meal. Honestly, I can’t afford to buy nutritious food and even if I did I have nowhere to store or cook it.
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Mother’s Refuge provides nutritional meals and snacks for all residents while we continue to be a resource for moms in our TLP apartments and Aftercare program. No mom, baby, or child will go hungry.
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I have no health insurance and can’t remember the last time I went to a doctor. I didn’t have prenatal care when I was pregnant. If I get sick I have to go to the ER, which is where I found out I was pregnant. I don’t know who to call or what to do next.
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Mother’s Refuge ensures all moms and their children obtain health insurance and are seen by a healthcare provider within 72 hours of admittance to our programs. We teach health advocacy so all moms and babies can live a healthy lifestyle.
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I can barely make enough money to survive let alone plan to save for my future, at this point I can’t even envision a future. Savings is a word for others – it takes every dime I get to provide the little we do have.
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Mother’s Refuge provides all the basic necessities so mother’s can focus on their daily lives, they attend financial literacy classes and learn how to get out of debt. They create a savings plan, and many leave with a nest egg for their future as well as receive a $500 program graduation gift from Mother’s Refuge.
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Diapers are so expensive and with the little bit of money I do make I can barely afford them. I have to make diapers last as long as they can, which sometimes causes diaper rashes.
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Mother’s Refuge provides 100% of diapers free of charge for all babies/children. Moms are taught to change diapers often to keep baby clean and dry and to use diaper rash cream, which is also supplied. Aftercare participants can receive diapers and wipes monthly.
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I am so stressed and worried that I can’t sleep. I don’t even have a safe place for my baby to lay down, so, how can I? I have to stay up all night to make sure he is ok.
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Mother’s Refuge provides a safe sleeping environment for our moms and babies. They all have their own beds with fresh clean linens while we educate them about SIDS and safe sleep practices. We give all moms a pack-n-play.
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I can’t afford to buy clothes for me and my son and it’s hard to carry them from place to place. Our clothes are usually dirty because we don’t have anywhere to do laundry and can’t afford to wash them. He keeps growing and soon won’t be able to fit into his clothes. What will I do then?
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Mother’s Refuge provides clean, in-season clothing for all of our moms and their children. We teach them how to do laundry and ensure they are able to maintain hygiene with in-house washers and dryers.
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I don’t have a driver’s license and can’t afford to buy a car. Finding a ride takes most of my time and we are often stranded and have to walk everywhere. When I ride the bus it takes hours to get to my destination or doesn’t run where I need to go.
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Mother’s Refuge provides transportation to all doctor appointments, jobs, GED, and all other appointments. We have a driving curriculum and vehicle to help moms obtain their driver’s license. With our savings program moms are able to save to purchase their own cars.
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I can’t breastfeed my baby because of my milk production. It’s hard to find a ride to my WIC appointments and when I can it’s not enough formula to last for the month. How am I going to feed my baby?
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Mother’s Refuge works with lactation specialists to help with milk production, we ensure moms are able to get to their WIC appointments, and we provide formula for all babies that are in need.
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There was no way I could go to school, I felt like I had to drop out to take care of my baby. I was failing all of my classes anyways. I couldn’t concentrate with everything that was going on in my life.
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Mother’s Refuge removes all barriers so that moms continue their education – in middle school, high school, or GED, providing free tutors as needed. We then encourage higher education or job training programs. We are building the next generation through education and hands-on learning opportunities.
Mental Health
No Identification
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I can’t sign my son up for daycare, get a bank account or a job because I don’t have my social security card, birth certificate or state ID. I don’t know how to go about getting these things and I don’t have the money to pay for them or anyone to help me.
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Mother’s Refuge helps all of our moms obtain birth certificates, social security cards, and state ID’s for themselves and their children so they are able to apply for healthcare, school, child care, employment, and open bank accounts. This is a barrier most people don’t think about but we help moms overcome.
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I am very sad and have no one to talk to. I don’t know what to do with all the emotions I’m feeling. Life is just too hard.
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Mother’s Refuge has a therapist on staff for all present and former moms in our program to receive free counseling and crisis support. Staff is trained to provide trauma informed care while focusing on moms’ strengths.