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  Thurs.: Noon - 6pm.
  Fri.: Closed
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Assist@AssistCPC.org

Assist CPC Gave Me Hope

When I found out I was pregnant, my boyfriend and I were having an on-and-off kind of relationship. He didn't believe the baby was his. That was heartbreaking - especially hearing it from someone you love. At the time, I was living at home with my parents and siblings and my parents did not like the relationship that I was in at all. I told my mom I was pregnant. She took it better than I expected. My dad, on the other hand, told me I had to move out. I was considering and abortion because I had no support from the father or from my family and not enough money to be on my own - especially with a baby.

A friend referred me to Assist CPC, via the Internet. I had many doubts and wondered if this place could really help me. I made an appointment to have an abortion. When the day came, I cancelled. I made another abortion appointment and cancelled. Finally I made another appointment to abort because the weeks were passing by. I really didn't want to go through with it and knew I was carrying a new life; I wanted to have the baby. But how? So I called the Assist helpline. I spoke to a counselor and I told her I was pregnant and considering an abortion. I explained my situation. I was in tears. She convinced me to come in to the center.

I came in and met the person I had opened my heart to on the phone. She was a good listener and was gentle. I guess she and the staff were working on my situation because my counselor gave me a list of maternity homes. She explained how Assist could help me by providing baby clothes, diapers, and other necessities. My part was to come in and earn points by studying and learning, using their educational tools. My counselor and the whole staff made me feel welcome and comfortable. Most importantly, they gave me hope! I made up my mind then and there that I would be at Assist CPC as often as I could to earn points to get everything I would need.

I eventually found a maternity home run by a Catholic church. I broke contact with my boyfriend and left home. It was hard, but I had no choice. I moved in to the maternity home when I was 4 months pregnant. I was determined to have this baby. Luckily I got a new job that offered me more money and health benefits. I consistently visited Assist every Saturday morning. I earned a crib, car seat, stroller, and a layette of basic items for the baby. I borrowed some maternity clothes. I watched videos on babies, learned about relationships, talked to the counselors, etc. My sisters and my mom would always check up on me. I would come home and visit for a few hours. My dad and I would just greet each other. It was an uncomfortable feeling. My ex-boyfriend would visit me sometimes too.

I lived at the maternity home for 6 months and I met some incredible girls. I've learned to live independently, as well as become responsible. The residents and I had to alternate with house chores. We had to keep our rooms clean. It was like living with roommates. Each of us was under a budget suited for our financial position. We were given a couple of baby showers.

After having my baby daughter, I had to find a place to live. I was very fortunate because after having a serious talk with my father, he allowed me to move back home. I explained to him the status of my bills and how I followed a budget throughout my stay at the maternity home. We discussed my future stay at home. We discusses the baby's father's obligations, visitation, and so on. The relationship with my dad is now normal again. I feel comfortable living at home and being around my father. He loves his granddaughter.

I am blessed with my baby girl, and I am so grateful to Assist for helping me when I thought I was in a hopeless situation. I still visit the center occassionally to get some advice, take advantage of watching the videos, and check out some books from their library.

Thank you for making Assist an avenue of hope to women like me.

--A client