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.