The following is the story of one of Hope Cottage’s Parenting Support client’s journey as a single mother of three. *Their names and some details have been modified to protect their privacy

Arielle* met her case manager in January 2019, after she was referred by another client Hope Cottage had been working with that lived in the same shelter. Arielle was homeless, a single mother of two boys, and 7 months pregnant. She had experienced severe domestic violence with the father of her two boys. When she had her second son, she developed severe pain in her leg to the point of not being able to walk. She was still experiencing pain and numbness in her leg when she began working with her case manager. Arielle had experienced legal problems in the past, but had worked hard to overcome them. She had difficulty trusting others and was often in protective/fighting mode, making it difficult for her to develop relationships with others. Arielle knew her unborn child was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, but she was determined to parent her baby girl no matter her prognosis.

Arielle’s daughter Luna is now two years old. Arielle qualified for housing soon after her birth, and continues to receive assistance through the housing program. Arielle always says, “My baby saved me”. When asked why, she replies, “I was not doing well at all before I had her, and I have had to learn to be patient”. Arielle’s Hope Cottage case manager referred her to a daycare center that provides services to children with special needs. The daycare has been a huge help with her daughter. Arielle also participates in a support group for families with Down Syndrome children; they provide activities for the entire family and they all enjoy participating and spending time together. Luna is currently learning how to express her feelings through sign language. She is also receiving occupational therapy, developmental therapy, and speech therapy through the Early Childhood Intervention Program. Arielle obtained employment through Workforce Solutions and was able to save enough money to purchase her own vehicle.

Luna is prone to getting sick and has been in the hospital on numerous occasions. Arielle recently had to quit working in order to provide her daughter full-time care, and spends her days taking Luna to different medical appointments. Sometimes Arielle feels overwhelmed with all the appointments and therapy visits, but says she would not change it for the world. She often expresses gratefulness to her case manager. She does not know what she would do if her case manager was not there to provide support for her, and she is always very appreciative of any help she receives.

Her case manager has witnessed Arielle grow as a parent and as a person. Arielle is resilient and makes better choices for herself, keeping her children’s best interest in mind. She continues to be protective of her children but is now no longer stuck in fighting mode, and understands the importance of being respectful to others when she is communicating her needs. Luna is thriving and receiving therapy and the medical attention she needs.