Jenny’s story

I was going through a hard time when the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. I found out I was pregnant unexpectedly and I felt overwhelmed. Everything in my life was very unstable. I had an unstable job, no insurance, an unstable relationship, no family or support in the area, and financial hardship. I found the Columbia Pregnancy Center and came in. I met with Amy and another woman and the test was positive. I knew I was not prepared at all to take care of a baby. I cried a lot because I didn’t know my future. The pregnancy center immediately started to offer their help to me. I joined the Mom to Mom Support Group and met a lot of nice moms. I went every week and it was like therapy for me. I enjoyed hearing encouragement from Frannie, Megan, and Nicole and saw that the other women had so many stories about their struggles to share. I started to feel like I could share about my struggles and I felt relief from sharing.

I began to see that the other moms sometimes felt sad and helpless too and I realized that I wasn’t alone anymore. I felt that I was starting to become prepared for having a baby but still found new struggles. When my son was born, he cried all the time, and I had many sleepless nights. The first 2-3 months were the hardest. I felt like a robot, and like I was losing myself. I came to the support group and felt heard and supported. I realized how strong I was becoming, and the group support helped me get through so much. 

I feel so thankful to the Columbia Pregnancy Center because they offered me so much support and I accepted all of their help and services. I found the best support from the Mom to Mom Group. I also tried and continued with breastfeeding because of the breastfeeding class I took with Betty. I have used the “Earn While You Learn Program” to get baby clothes, diapers and wipes for my son. I have watched many videos and found them helpful. The center has helped me to find insurance, get an ultrasound, STD testing, and resources for medical help. I have been able to get Christmas presents every year for my son because of the Christmas party. I’m so glad that I found this place because I feel 100% supported.  They gave me everything I needed from the beginning, every step, and still today. People are great at the center; you can see that they have a passion for helping future mothers. I’m especially thankful for my son. He is growing and so active, even though he drives me crazy sometimes. I’m glad I came to the Columbia Pregnancy Center; I didn’t know my future then, but now I know I have support.