Support for moms creates stability for generations

“Let’s honor our mothers by thanking them for not only the many things they do but also for their openness to the spirit of Christ in their lives — promoting unity, making us unafraid of the challenges in life, but also (giving) us a dream about our life that we can always move forward.” — Cardinal Cupich, Mother’s Day 2024

Raising children is the most challenging and most important job of any mother’s life. The future does begin with mom, as we nurture, feed, clothe, guide, teach and support our children. Just as Cardinal Cupich shared last Mother’s Day, we mothers must lean on our faith as we stand by our children, empowering them to live in community with their neighbors, face life’s challenges with grace and perseverance, and pursue their dreams.

Yet, not every mother has the privilege of focusing only on her children. Many mothers struggle financially, emotionally and physically. Many mothers cannot afford to feed their children or provide a roof over their heads. And still others face the terrifying prospect of trying to escape domestic violence.

These are the mothers who need our help.

Last year, Catholic Charities accompanied over 61,000 mothers and their families, providing food, diapers, clothing, Christmas gifts and emergency financial assistance — and support that extended far beyond their material needs. We provided safety and shelter to hundreds of moms and children fleeing domestic violence; and counseling for thousands of moms and families recovering from trauma.

Thanks to our community’s support, we walked with moms during and after their pregnancies, connected them to apartments and provided rental assistance, and helped them set and achieve goals as they planned and prepared for a brighter future.

With each mother we accompany, we can’t know when or how God will break through. But over and over through this work, we see it happen. And every time, it fills me and my colleagues with awe at the mystery and depth of God’s love for every mother, every child, every one of us.

Teresa* is 17 years old and a single mother who had no one to turn to for parenting advice when she gave birth to her baby. When she found Catholic Charities, she joined a weekly parenting group and she met other moms and made new friends. She learned about child development, better ways to put her child to sleep, engage with her child and how to experiment with different foods and techniques to feed him.

“Catholic Charities changed my life,” Teresa shares, adding that she is a better parent because of what she’s learned.

Kay,* a single mother of five, escaped an unhealthy relationship only to end up homeless and living in a suburban hotel. Life changed when Kay connected with Catholic Charities. We provided rental assistance and other support. Now Kay is working as a nurse and pursuing a bachelor’s degree. She is buying a house, and she’s proud of the example she’s setting for her children.

“I’ve become a stronger person,” Kay beams.

Brianna, a 25-year-old single mother, had to move repeatedly during the first two years of her daughter’s life, worrying every day they could be turned out on the streets. She too found refuge and empowerment through Catholic Charities.

“It takes a strong individual to get through that. But I always had faith,” Brianna says. “I knew if I kept doing what I needed to do for my baby, everything was going to work out.” 

Brianna, Teresa and Kay are all grateful for how Catholic Charities was there for them when they needed support — and for how that support changed their lives and their children’s futures.

Will you join us in showing moms that they are not alone? Your gift to the Catholic Charities Mother’s Day appeal helps strong mothers become even stronger. It creates stability for generations.

As Brianna reflected, her daughter will never have to go through what she went through — she knows her mom will always be there for her, loving and supporting her, unconditionally.  I can’t imagine a more beautiful gift for a child. Thank you for helping make this healing possible by supporting the moms we serve.

*Names changed for privacy