On the Other Side of Difficult Times

When Kayla* called Together for Good, she was overwhelmed by single-parenting her three children while simultaneously finishing her degree. The father of her kids had suddenly passed away, leaving Kayle burdened by not only the financial weight after this loss, but also without time to truly grieve.

Kayla was hesitant about having her children spend time away from her, so her TFG case manager, Chic, suggested just having a TFG parent advocate instead. Kayla was connected with a parent advocate who had experienced deep grief as she had.

In the midst of a life full of school and children, Kayla’s parent advocate provided someone she could turn to and process life with – someone who did not require anything from Kayla.  

Several TFG support volunteers began helping Kayla with practical needs. One volunteer helped with the kids’ nightly routine 2-3 times a week. Others brought pull-ups and household supplies monthly through Deliveries for Good. 

For nearly nine months, Kayla and her children experienced life-giving support from many different individuals. Showing the depth of the network that has become Together for Good in Waco.

In May, Kayla finished her degree! Post-school, much of the immediate financial burden and exhaustion that Kayla was experiencing lifted. She told Chic that she felt that life was stable enough to end much of TFG’s support. 

Weeks went by without Chic hearing anything from Kayla. Chic continued to pray for her and her children and considered “no news” to be good news. Just a few weeks ago, Kayla reached out to Chic again. She was excited to share that she and her children were doing really well – they had even joined a nearby church!

Kayla said she was so grateful for TFG and asked Chic if there were any current TFG moms that she could bless with a meal.

Chic connected Kayla with a single mom who had been struggling emotionally with her two very young boys, one of whom has special needs. Chic said, “Kayla was thrilled with the opportunity and put together a goody bag for [this mom] with food and brought it to her.”

Recently, Kayla was baptized, and her children were dedicated. Chic attended the church service and shared afterward, “[Kayla] is just radiating joy and peace these days.”

Kayla’s story is such a beautiful illustration of how consistent, trustworthy relationships can completely transform some of the hardest seasons of life. 

That is what TFG volunteers provide to countless families. Safe, loving relationships that will walk with a mom and her children through whatever crisis they may face. 

Kayla experienced that first-hand. Now, she is excited to extend that same community to other moms because no family should walk alone.

*Names changed for privacy.