To Moms in Need: A Seasoned Letter for Family Care
Quanicia and her daughter, Briella, recently graduated from our Family Care program in Gardendale. Upon leaving, she decided to write a letter to future residents.
She says . . .
Valencia asked me when I was moving out, what piece of advice I would give to a mom coming in behind me, so I decided to write a letter to someone who was coming from the same situation I had been in, would want to hear. When I first heard about the location, I didn’t know what to expect . . . the only thing I knew about a shelter was cots, pillow, and blanket, and a group of people . . .
When I got there, it was completely different — so organized and clean! I knew that if I had anxiety about it coming in, there are others out there who hav e anxiety about it. I wanted to give the next mom coming behind me some encouragement that every thing is going to be okay — sometimes, that’s all you need to hear in that moment.
Below is her sweet letter. We hope this gives you a glimpse in to what God is doing in this ministry!
Dear Mom,
It gives me great pleasure to be given the opportunity to write this letter to you. First, I would like to say welcome home. If your situation is similar to mine, I'm sure those words mean a lot to you and your family. Secondly, let me say how proud of you I am for taking a step in the right direction for you and your family. I know this may not be your dream house or the ideal place you may have pictured for yourself, but it is a wonderful way to start fresh and press forward to new beginnings.
My name is Quanicia and my time here in the Family Care program has come to a bittersweet end. I’m graduating from the program early due to my hard work and the continued love and support from ABCH staff. My time in the program has been no thing short of amazing for my daughter and me. Before coming here in May 2017, I was in a rocky situation, bouncing from place to place. Things for my family were very unsteady until I came to Gardendale and met Valencia. Valencia is the best case worker, or house mother as I call her, I could have ever asked for. She was truly an angel sent to me.
My first night in Gardendale, I didn't know how my daughter and I would bathe or brush our teeth. I only had one bag of clothes for each of us, no towels, soap, or anything I really needed. I was completely freaking out until Valencia took me to the room where we would be staying. There were towels, washcloths, toiletries, and everything we needed sitting on the bed.
It brought tears to my eyes to finally get the help I had been so desperately needing. There will be rules you will have to follow and chores to get done but I assure you it will all be well worth it in the end. For me the most important rule to commit to and follow is saving. I cannot stress how important saving your money is. Not only did it put me on track to become more financially stable, it was there when I needed it most — now, as I depart. It has been so long since I've had my own place. I had to pay the full deposits for everything. If I had not been saving throughout my time in the Family Care program, I could have lost my spot on the waiting list for my apartment . . .
It has been a pleasure living in the Gardendale Family Care home. I have learned so much and gained a new sense of self confidence. I wish you well as you travel on your road to success. Believe in yourself — you will do great things.
Quanicia
We are so proud of Quanicia and can't wait to see what God holds for her future. You can read more about our Family Care program here.