*Trigger warning: This story contains content about suicidal ideation.
She was sitting on the side of the road in her broken-down car. The last time she felt this overwhelmed, she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
One year earlier
Single parenting caused her daily stress: Where would she find the resources to provide child care, medical care, and healthy meals for her two children? She had a baby on the way. This, combined with her mother’s passing, had plummeted Taylor into suicidal ideation.
Taylor spent three months in psychiatric treatment. Her third baby’s due date was fast approaching. Negative encounters with doctors in the past left her hesitant to seek proper prenatal care.
Taylor received a referral for the Pathways Community HUB program in her area. The program, launched by the United Way and supported by local donors, provides newly pregnant and postpartum mothers with resources to thrive. From the moment her Community Health Worker, Melissa, came into her life, Taylor and her family would never be the same.
When Taylor delivered her baby, Melissa was right by her side, advocating for her care. She amplified Taylor’s concerns to medical professionals, ensuring her basic needs were met and providing a consistent, supportive presence.
Now
Sitting in her car, Taylor remembered the support her Community Health Worker provided. She picked up the phone and called Melissa again.
Within 30 minutes, Melissa arrived to pick up Taylor and her children, assuring them everything would be okay.
Taylor’s car was impounded, leaving her without transportation for months. But Melissa helped Taylor get a new car. She also got her three brand-new car seats – an expense that could have been devastating for her family.
Taylor’s 10-month-old baby is receiving treatment for delayed milestones. Melissa had quickly referred her to child development and physical therapy resources. Her two eldest children also needed access to quality, affordable child care, which Melissa helped provide.
Taylor is pregnant with her fourth child. Knowing the difficulties Taylor had experienced in past pregnancies, Melissa immediately offered support and prenatal resources so she has a plan every step of the way.
A Future of Hope
Thanks to the gentle support of United Way-led initiatives like this, Taylor is receiving routine prenatal care for the first time.
Looking back on everything she’d been through, Taylor knew she had the strength in her all along to overcome her biggest challenges – she just needed a little support along the way.
She and her children now have supports in place for a healthier future. When mothers like Taylor risk losing everything, United Way’s Pathways Community HUB is there.