I once heard a quote: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.” I’m often reminded of this when I meet people like Sam. People who endure unimaginable challenges, face hardships that seem unbearable, and keep going despite it all.
Sam began her journey with The North Grove 13 years ago when she attended our Prenatal Program. She was 16-years-old, pregnant with her first child, and nervous that others would judge her. What she found instead surprised her. Sam felt welcomed and part of a community. She learned what she needed to transition into motherhood and found others to lean on.
Sam speaks fondly about her time at Prenatal, and the Baby and Me program she attended after her son was born.
“I was on top of the world, and I still see people today who I attended programs with.”
Ten years later, Sam re-engaged with The North Grove; this time as a mother of two who was recently widowed. The sudden loss of her partner, Andy, had sent her into a deep and overwhelming grief, leaving her alone to raise her two young sons, who were ten and four-years-old.
While Sam tried to navigate her overwhelming emotions and a world without Andy, she decided that the best thing for her children would be for them to live with her mom while she sorted things out. Several days later, Child Protection became involved, and her children were placed with Andy’s family. At only 27 years of age, Sam found herself grieving, trying to piece her world back together and regain custody of her children.
“It was a very low point in my life and The North Grove was there for me.”
When Sam came back to The North Grove, my colleague who had led the Prenatal Program ten years ago, remembered her. Sam couldn’t believe they remembered her name, and she felt so comforted to see a familiar face.
Before long, Sam became a regular participant again, made friends, and opened up about her journey. The North Grove became a part of Sam’s village, supporting and encouraging her to find the strength and courage she needed to keep going - even on the days when that felt impossible.
Parents facing unimaginable challenges walk through our doors every single day. With your consistent support, we can be there for them on their hardest days, and when the unexpected happens.
At The North Grove, we believe that everyone is doing their best and has something to offer. We encouraged Sam and were here to help every step of the way; whether with parenting advice, navigating her to-do list, offering an ear to listen, or a word of encouragement.
Three years have passed since Sam lost her partner. She is living in a new home, reunited with her sons. They are slowly building a new life together as a family of three. I am so proud of Sam and all her hard work.
I feel honoured and grateful that Sam chose to come back to The North Grove for support. She reminds me of how important it is to have places like The North Grove: a safe space, where people can gather to learn from one another, make connections, and belong.
“We all go through tough times, but the burden is easier to bear when we go through those things together.”
Parenting is not meant to be done alone. People need support along the way. They need someone in their corner, so that on days when they may not feel like trying again, we can be that whisper that says, “it’s ok, you can try again tomorrow.”
Your monthly gift allows us to be there for parents like Sam; through each season of their lives, and every day of the year.
Your consistent support makes it possible to plan programs, manage finances, and create a lasting impact in the community by providing predictable funding all year long.
With gratitude,
Sonja Bellefontaine
Community Programs Manager
Comments