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At Mary's Shelter, our mission is to provide safe housing to pregnant women in crisis. That alone is a worthy goal. But our prayer for each of these young mothers is a better life than they had before. We hope that our shelter is their last shelter, that they achieve financial independence, a sense of peace and security for themselves and their children. We hope that their experience here will plant seeds of long-lasting change, and for many of our residents, it does.
Change is possible because of you - the volunteers, the mentors, the donors and the prayer warriors. We deeply appreciate the love, kindness, patience and support you show to our ladies. This is how the seeds of change are planted. Thank you for your vote of confidence in what we are trying to accomplish here at Mary's Shelter.
God bless,
Kathleen Wilson, director
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Save the Date for the Summer Soirée!
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Please plan on joining us at the
4th Annual Mary's Shelter Summer Soirée to be held at the Fredericksburg Expo Center on
Saturday, August 10th from 6-10pm.
We look forward to another evening of great food, awesome music, and inspiring speakers!
More information coming soon!
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Resident Interview - "Margaret""Margaret" is 30 years old and has been living at Mary's Shelter since February 2012. She gave birth to her fourth child in June, 2012. She came to Mary's Shelter with a high school diploma and a desire to continue her education. She will be graduating with her Associate's Degree in May, 2013.
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Q: How did you find out about Mary's Shelter?
I found out about Mary's Shelter from the counselor that I see. She had the name of it on one of her resource lists and gave it to me since it's for "crisis pregnancies" and that's pretty much what I had.
Q: What have you found helpful about the shelter? Are there things about living here that you find difficult?
It is helpful to have a roof over my head and my girls' heads. I know I have the opportunity to save money for when I do move out and get help with other daily necessities also. The support of some of the other women also comes in handy. On that note, it is also difficult to live together at times .
Q:How would you describe your life growing up?
My life growing up was not difficult at all compared to what some other people's lives are like. My mom and my step-dad took care of us and always provided us with what we needed, not always what we wanted. We had all the necessities in life and grew up in a pretty nice area. My life turned difficult when I turned into a teenager based on many bad choices that I made. I had my first child at 17 right before I graduated high school and it was pretty difficult and has been since then.
Q: Did you ever consider having an abortion during this pregnancy?
I did consider having an abortion with this pregnancy. I had the appointment made and took the time off work to have it done. The day I was supposed to go my ride and my babysitter both fell through. That is why I didn't have it done. I don't know that I could have anyway. I went to Richmond when I was 16 and pregnant with my first child to have an abortion and immediately walked into the clinic and started sobbing. I couldn't do it, so I don't know if I could have with this one either.
Q: Can you tell me about your other children?
My oldest child will be 14 in May, my second will be 11 in September, and my first daughter turned 4 on April 1st. Things have been very difficult with my boys due to many different things and I am not very close to them right now. They are living with their father for now.
Q:What are some of the greatest challenges you have faced?
Many of the challenges I've had just come from having children at such a young age. I went through some long abusive relationships and messed up a few jobs up because of them. I've also had a hard time finishing college being a single mom and holding steady employment at times due to my own mental health issues that I've had to face among other things.
Q:What aspects of your life are you trying to change?The biggest aspect of my life that I'm trying to change is my independence. I feel I haven't been completely independent for a long time and it's hard for me to reach that goal. I've been working with my counselor on it the best that I can and I am still working. Also, my education is a huge aspect. I'm graduating in May with my Associate's Degree which is REALLY big for me since it's taken me so long to do. I have better goals in place now also as far as my education is concerned and concerning the career path I want to take.
Q: What goals do you have for yourself?
My goals are to eventually finish school with a Bachelor's in Psychology and maybe something else with a couple of minors. I was thinking of History and Law. Maybe English. Not entirely sure yet. I've been volunteering at Headstart where my 4 year old goes and trying to get into substituting there. I've also been helping them develop a parent buddy system for the Headstart parent community. I just got a job with the YMCA daycare and I feel like all of this is going to put me on the path I need to do better in getting my Psychology degree. Next spring I will have my paraprofessional certificate in Psychology. I feel like everything I am doing right now in my life are helping me to meet my goals.
Q: What place does God have in your life?
God does have a place in my life. I believe in God and I believe that He has helped through many horrible situations that could have been much much worse. I feel like I can look back on numerous occasions in my life and see where He has placed blessings for me and protected me.
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Volunteer Interview - Marilyn Coughlin
Marilyn has been married to her husband, Michael, for 48 years. They have 3 children - daughter Beth Merriman, sons John and Joseph - and 6 grandchildren. She is a member of St Mary Catholic Church. She is retired from Verizon Management, was a director of Birthright in Massachusetts as well as director of a Senior Education Program called Lifelong Learning, Second Half. Marilyn has a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Lesley College in Boston, MA.
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Q: How did you first get involved with Mary's Shelter and begin volunteering?
When I was looking for somewhere to volunteer I looked into Mary's Shelter and decided it was a good fit for me as I love babies. I took some of my friends and went for a tour and liked what I saw so I began volunteering. I first started babysitting during Monday Night Madness. I enjoyed it very much and found it very fulfilling. Later I received an email that Veronica needed help with her twins so I started helping her and became very close to Veronica and especially baby Pierrette. When baby Patience was hospitalized for a week at VCU, I volunteered to take Pierrette into my home since it would have been difficult for Veronica to be at the hospital with both babies. I became a mentor for her and I help her whenever I can - shopping, doctor's visit, babysitting, moral support when she feels overwhelmed, etc. Now my granddaughter Caroline comes with me and helps out with the Monday night babysitting.
Q: How do you find the time to volunteer?
I am retired and have some free time.
Q: What is the best part of volunteering at Mary's Shelter? What have you learned from your volunteer experience?
The best part of volunteering is a sense of fulfillment, doing God's work, and knowing I am helping someone in need. I have also made some great friendships with the girls and other volunteers. Everyone is so caring.
Q: What do you feel you have to offer to the residents?
I feel I have an upbeat personality and can share my life experiences with the ladies. I also know what it is like to have 3 small children to take care of and can reassure them that you will survive these trying times.
Q: What would you recommend for others who want to get more involved in Mary's Shelter through volunteer work?
I would recommend they start off at a small job and see if it is a good fit for them. There are so many different types of volunteers needed. I guarantee that you will receive much more in return than you give.
Q: What is the best thing about Mary's Shelter?
The best thing about Mary's Shelter's Shelter is that it is necessary in our community to help women in crisis pregnancies and their babies. It is a way to help women choose life for their children.
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* Thank you to Amanda Winn for her service to Mary's Shelter over the last few years. She put together a doula program which has drastically reduced our c-section rate. She organized monthly baby celebrations as well as monthly parenting classes. Her shoes will be tough to fill! We appreciate Cathy Davis and Kara Horne stepping in to help continue the amazing work Amanda has begun. We will miss you, Amanda! Good luck in North Carolina! * A big thank you to the student organization at Riverbend High School, FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), led by Mrs. Sodergren, for the 16 hospitality baskets they provided for our residents. They managed to collect 700 different toiletry items to fill the baskets! Thank you for such an amazing gift to our residents.*A big shout out to Janet Richardson and Melissa Goodnough for keeping our Monday Night babysitting running smoothly! Also a huge thank you to Marilyn Coughlin and Hanna Deschler for all the last-minute rides and babysitting! *Thank you to Caroline Pollock who was an intern with us for 6 months. We so appreciate all the help and support you offered this past half-year. We're glad you did not move too far away! *Thanks to Monika and Carolyn for all the help in the office and Boutique! *Thanks to Keegan Sweeney for donating so many sweet teddy bears. *Thanks to Mr. Duffy for always going the extra mile for our residents. This past month, he organized Easter baskets for all the kids at the shelter. *Thank you to Shannon Looby of Little Apron Baking Company for the beautiful baptism cakes! *Thank you to the Legion of Mary from St. Jude's and St. Mary's for their weekly spiritual ministry to our ladies.
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Fulfill the Promise Campaign
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 Are you a part of the Mary's Shelter family? Our Fulfill the Promise campaign asks for just a small monthly donation. Could you commit to $20 a month to fund Mary's Shelter? .
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1234 Main Street, Awesomeville, MA · 555.555.5555
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