Celebrating Mother's Day at Covenant House

Each year, young mothers with no place to take care of themselves and their children find shelter, security and support at Covenant House through the Mother/Child Program.

Being prepared for motherhood is a monumental task when you are still a teenager yourself. Often, these young mothers are thrown out of their own homes and find themselves on the streets, with no job, money and nowhere to turn. Worse yet, they often have no idea how to be good parents.

In 2006-2007, 938 young mothers and 1,050 infants stayed at Covenant House as a part of the Mother/Child Program agency-wide.

This Mother's Day, we pay special tribute to these young ladies who have not only turned their lives around with help from Covenant House, but who have made the decision to seek a better future for their children.

Our staff and volunteers are the role models who teach young mothers how to care for their children. We give them a stable place to stay while they learn, from the ground up, how to care for a child. When they leave, they enjoy motherhood, and that enjoyment is reflected in the smiles and hugs exchanged between them and their children.

"These young women come to us with the world on their shoulders," said Sister Tricia Cruise, President of Covenant House. "Not only are they out on their own, but the lives of their children have been put at risk on the streets. Covenant House is always there to help these young mothers get their lives on track so that they can provide a more fulfilling life for themselves and their children."

As part of our Mother's Day Celebration here at Covenant House, please read some recent testimonials from young mothers in our program:

From Ana:

"My life has not been the best. From childhood, I've felt like I could never get a break. I've been from problem to problem and issue to issue. I've felt alone like I had nothing and no one. There was a point when I was sleeping on the streets and had no one to turn to. When I became pregnant, I wanted much better for my child.

"After my daughter came into the world, I became more focused than ever to set and achieve rewarding goals. I needed to become a woman. Again, I ended up on the streets, this time with my child. Very shortly after, someone I know referred me to Covenant House. Although I have not been at Covenant House long, I know now that there is hope.

"It won't be easy, but everyday I find myself reaching my goal of finding good employment (through the Regional Training Center), furthering my studies and supplying my child with her basic necessities and also being able to provide her with a much better, healthier, and happier journey in life than I've had."

From Julie:

"The reason why I came to Covenant House was because I was having family problems and issues. Since coming to Covenant House, I have been more peaceful and less stressed out. I have accomplished a couple of things since I've been here. The first thing is that I have been more focused and determined to start college.

"The second thing is that I got accepted to Independence Inn and am awaiting a bed. My goals for when I leave here is to settle down and hopefully get my own place. I would like to live peacefully and happily, so I can give my daughter what I didn't have."

From Roberta:

"I was kicked out of my parents and aunts house. They said I couldn't stay with them anymore because there was no space for me and my daughter. I was accepted with open arms by Covenant House. I was scared at first because I had never been on my own, but I had to go through with it because I had no where else to go and no one else to turn to. I need to be strong for my daughter.

"When I got to Covenant House, I was given a room, food, clothes, diapers and formula for my daughter. Covenant House referred me to the Regional Training Center (RTC), which I am now attending. In the RTC, I am receiving class for my GED and C.N.A. certification.

"My goals are to become more independent, learn how to save and budget my money, and hopefully get an apartment that I can call my own. Covenant House provided me with daycare services so that I can keep my current job and attend classes geared toward my future goal of being an RN and Midwife.

"Covenant House is a great place that helps mothers and their babies. I would refer them to anyone."

From April:

"My parents kicked me out of their house. I was on the street for weeks running from house to house and shelter to shelter. I was just looking for a place to sleep so that I may rest and figure out what to do."

"Here at Covenant House, I found a home that will last me long enough to get my life together. They are helping me get psychological help and teaching me how to care for my newborn baby. They are also referring me to several agencies which can further assist me in the near future. At Covenant House, I am learning to be responsible, independent, knowledgeable and patient. I am learning to look for help in all the right places.

"My goals are now to receive aid in finding another place to stay and take advantage of as many programs as I can. Thanks to the help I receive here at Covenant House, I will eventually, sooner than later, have my own home, go back to school and get a job. And then, I will finally give my daughter the kind of life she deserves."

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