Dear Friend,
My name is Marissa, and I’m a mom of two sweet girls: Kailana who is three, and Alora, who’s just nine months old. Right before Alora was born, I was living in my car, wondering how I could keep my babies safe. I didn’t know where to turn, or if anyone would help me.
Then, during a call with a food stamps case worker, I learned about Covenant House Georgia (CHGA). From the moment I connected with their Pregnant & Parenting Youth Program, my life began to change. I thought I was just walking into an emergency shelter, but instead, I found a home. A real home: a townhouse with space for Kailana and Alora to play, grow, and just enjoy being kids. I also found caring people who listened, guided, and supported me without judgment.
Moving into the housing at CHGA’s Pregnant & Parenting Youth Program during the month Alora was born was such a blessing. CHGA provided the basics I couldn’t always manage on my own: diapers, daycare, transportation, help with bills, and even little extras that make life brighter. Because of CHGA’s support and donors like you, I was able to start working again, with a solid foundation to grow from. Now, I can watch my girls explore the world safely, laugh, play, and learn, without constantly worrying about the next meal or how I’ll get to work.
This Mother’s Day, please make a gift to help ensure that other young parents can have access to the same life-changing programs and resources that my girls and I have benefited from.
At just three years old, Kailana is full of heart and compassion. Just the other day, she stopped to help another little girl at the park who had fallen down. And “Alora the Explorer” is always crawling and discovering new things. She’s curious about everything! Watching them grow and seeing the happy, confident kids they are becoming is my greatest joy.
Being a mom is hard. Being a young mom on your own is even harder. But with the help of Covenant House Georgia and their team, I’ve found strength and developed a self-love I didn’t know I had. I’ve learned patience, resilience, and the value of support. I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s courage.
I want to say thank you to the donors who have supported us by giving to CHGA. You’ve helped me keep my girls safe, fed, and cared for. You’ve helped us get to doctor’s appointments, daycare, and work when I didn’t have the money to do it myself. Most of all, you’ve given me the freedom and motivation to focus on being the mom I want to be, without the constant stress and fear.
This Mother’s Day, you can help other moms like me take that first step toward safety, stability, and independence. Your gift can provide diapers, food, transportation, childcare and one-on-one guidance for young mothers working to create a better future for themselves and their children. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference.
There are so many more moms who still need help. Moms who are living in their cars like I was, struggling to feed their children, and trying to balance work, childcare, and survival on their own. Your gift can help those young parents find the same hope and support I found at Covenant House Georgia. Please, consider giving today. Your support can change a life. It can change a family. It can give a mom like me the chance to keep her children safe, happy, and loved - today and for years to come.
From my family to yours, thank you for caring, for giving, and for helping moms like me thrive.
With gratitude,
Marissa
Proud Mom & Covenant House Georgia Resident
Your donation will directly help young mothers like Marissa and other young people experiencing homelessness. Here's how your donation makes an impact:
