Life is Better When Lived Together

One thing we’re especially thankful for in this season is the dedicated team of Young Families staff and volunteers we're so fortunate to work with. These folks continue to invest in relationships that help support the growth of each young mom connected to this community.

Today, I want to share some reflections from Louisa Hege, Young Families’ Program Director, on why community and belonging matter to her now more than ever:

In the last 8 years working at Young Families, the impact of community and friendships in the lives of young parents is both seen and talked about daily. Parents have shared their appreciation for the support and care they have received from staff, volunteers and peers.

We have seen lives flourish through stable, genuine and supportive relationships. And so, it was a no brainer for me, going into my 9th year at Young Families and my first year of motherhood, to invite people to journey with me in this new season of life.

What surprised me, however, was just how much it did impact me. It really was life-changing. Half way through my maternity leave, after moving around quite a bit in the first half, I finally found a local family program for my son and I to attend. In many ways, it was quite similar to Young Families.

I remember going there for the first time and immediately sensing in my heart that this would be a new home for my son and I. It was just so powerful to have a space that was for both my child and me. A place where he was safe and free to explore and have fun all the while a place for me to build relationships with those in a similar life space as I was.

We could parent alongside one another, share about our struggles and our joys, not just in parenting, but in all aspects of life. It was a game-changer for me. I felt belonging and a sense of daily purpose. At this drop in, I could care for others as well as have others care for me.

Now that I have returned to work at Young Families, I have a new-found perspective and deeper knowing of what it means for our young parents to have a community here with us.

I'm excited to relate to the families with a renewed heart and to continue working toward providing a caring, compassionate and safe space for parents and their children to flourish in.

Thank you for being part of this connected community of care. We look forward to sharing more updates with you this fall.

Gratefully,
- Louisa Hege and the Young Families Team

A message from a Young Families volunteer, Ferin Willms

One of the things we’ve always valued about Young Families is the multi-generational community of volunteers and staff whose lives have changed as much as the families they work with. We are a family walking through life together.

Recently, one of our long-term volunteers, Ferin Willms, shared her experience with Young Families:

I started volunteering with Young Families 6 years ago. I continue to volunteer because it’s become more than a volunteer opportunity; it has become a community.

Young Families participants, fellow volunteers, and staff members have walked with me during the highs and lows of my own parenting journey, through postpartum depression and anxiety, and encouraged my gifts and strengths. I feel accepted for who I am, and from that place I am able to reflect authenticity to young moms who show up to the program.

Since I’ve connected with Young Families, I have come to appreciate the wisdom, empathy, and perspective of young parents, a demographic that is stigmatized in our society.

In my own journey as a parent, I have been able to offer myself grace as I relate to young parents trying their best. They have become a mirror to me of my own strengths as a mother where I previously only saw flaws.

Young Families offers a safe, accepting community to young mothers. There is no having to explain why they are a parent, there are no threats to their position as the authority and caregiver of their children, and there is no judgment.

Because of this, many of the young mothers become receptive to the care, resources, and help that the Young Families program and staff have to offer.

I've seen mothers who were previously closed off, shy, or lacking self confidence become more self-assured, emotionally vulnerable, and have the tools to access vocational and personal growth opportunities.

The foundation of who we are as a community is a mutuality of giving and receiving in relationship - we’re all in this together for the long haul. And Ferin's story is such a beautiful example of that.

Our hope this time of year is not only that you give, but that you receive gratitude from the Young Families team as well. We’re so grateful that you’re part of this community.

Thank you for helping make all of this possible.

Bear Creek Park Outing

On a very rainy day at Bear Creek Park a few weeks ago, a group of 17 young moms, preschoolers, babies and our Young Families team headed out for a pumpkin train ride and picnic lunch. But we were all dressed for the weather and enjoyed the chance to be together!

The little kids were thrilled to be jumping in puddles, running around and playing with friends that they know from the Young Families community. The kids enjoyed the train ride and each received a pumpkin and treats to enjoy. Twyla, one of our amazing volunteers, packed bag lunches made to order for everyone.

We look forward to sharing more highlights like these, along with other updates and news from the Young Families community in the coming months!

Fall rhythms and a season of gratitude

This fall has reminded us of the consistent, reliable and ever-encouraging generosity of this community. Recently, we received a significant donation from our friends at the Kiwanis Club of Vancouver and we wanted to take an opportunity to send a message of thanks to them and all of you for your support.

We’ve been able to show up for young parents and maintain meaningful relationships with those who are struggling to care for their families amidst job loss, social isolation and financial stress, all made more challenging by COVID-19. We couldn’t do any of this without you - thank you for continuing to journey with us and the young families we work with!