When I was referred to the home, I was attending Winfree Academy Charter School. I had only a handful of credits to complete before I accomplished my high school diploma. Shortly after I found out I was expecting, I spoke with my school counselor. I expressed to her that the home I was living in was not suitable for my unborn baby, although I was with a loving and supporting family member. I knew I could give my child so much more.
Not long after, I spoke with the director, Marthalicia, and was offered a place to live. Not only was it a home, but it was filled with people who were full of love and support, and their priority was to help mothers in need. There were classes to attend, like Spanish and spiritual education, which helped me a bunch.
It opened my heart over time and brought me closer to God. As well as support groups and as well as GEMS. I value everything that I have been taught and learned from the ladies I lived with, as well as from the volunteers. The volunteers were great, as well as Marthalicia and her husband. They treated all the mothers as their own, and that is an amazing bond to have and a relationship that will last forever!
Mater Maria has shown me how to be a loving, strong, and respected woman who stands for what she believes in: to always follow my dreams, to love myself and my children, to give back to others, and to keep Jesus in my heart forever.
I am greatly thankful to everyone at Mater Maria, and I am blessed to continue to grow and be the best mother I can be to my child.
