For a long time, Selena carried more than most could bear. She was navigating deep personal struggles—without stable housing, separated from her children, and emotionally drained. “I normally can put myself back together after a few weeks or so,” she said. “But I just didn’t want to try anymore.”
The weight of uncertainty grew heavier when she found herself pregnant again, still without a place to call home. The fear was real—if things didn’t change, child welfare could get involved. That’s when Selena reached out to Catholic Charities.
She didn’t expect much. But from the moment she connected, everything shifted.
“They blew my mind… from the first time I spoke to them, from the first time they helped me.”
Within days, Catholic Charities secured safe housing for Selena and her baby. They made sure she had diapers, wipes, outfits, personal items—for her child and for herself. It wasn’t just about material help—it was about dignity, about support, about being seen.
“Anything I want for him, I get. He’s always dressed so cute. And they helped me with things for myself, too.”
The goal wasn’t dependence—it was restoration. Catholic Charities connected Selena with a caseworker and helped her set goals for stability and growth. They offer more than a diaper pantry—they offer a bridge toward independence.
Selena’s story is not isolated. Catholic Charities meets people where they are—mothers recovering from divorce, families new to the country, those laid off or starting over. Their work reflects a simple truth: everyone has bad days, but with kindness and support, there’s always a way forward.
Selena is now thriving. She’s not only caring for a baby, but parenting teenagers too. Her resilience spans generations. She laughs more, hopes bigger, and embraces each day with newfound courage.
“You just have to laugh some things off. It’s another day. That’s what makes the hard stuff survivable.”