Paying bills might not be the thing most households look forward to, but for Carina, it doesn’t get much more exciting.

She reached out to Catholic Charities when she was pregnant with her third child and knew she and her husband did not have the resources to provide a newborn a safe and healthy beginning. She enrolled in our Pregnancy & Family Program. In addition to the material support she had hoped for, she also learned important infant milestones, proper nutrition and the life skills necessary to maintain a household.

Over several months, she and her caseworker developed a high level of trust. During one meeting, Carina shared that despite the support we had provided, she remained terrified at the thought of her baby’s arrival.

The truth was she suspected her husband could meet at least their children’s basic needs. Instead of providing for his family, however, his income paid for his substance addiction. Worse, when he used drugs, he became abusive. The physical violence was bad, but in many ways the emotional violence was worse. She routinely heard that she was worthless, lazy, incapable and useless. After a while, she agreed.

Her case worker let her finish and asked Carina to look directly at her. “I’m proud of you,” she said. And then she said it again. And again. With each successful meeting and new parenting skill learned through our program, Carina hears the same positive reinforcement. It’s now the bigger truth in her life.

Today, Carina continues to work with Catholic Charities on how best to raise a healthy family in a safe environment. She’s made a lot of changes, has a job of her own, and now knows how to budget her monthly bills. She says making certain she can pay each bill as it comes in is one of the most exciting things she does. She knows is capable, proactive and industrious.

And we’re proud of her.