Carrying your beautiful soul for the past nine months has been nothing but joy and an absolute blessing! I am in awe of your strong heart and movements, when I am lying in bed admiring you inside my belly. I completely and wholeheartedly adore you! I can’t wait to watch you and help you grow into the fiercest, strongest, most lovable little lady that I know you will become. I thank God every day for blessing me with your spirit and I thank you for choosing me to be your mother. You are all I have ever wanted in my life and I am the happiest, proudest momma to the most beautiful baby girl –YOU! I will treasure and love you always through the difficult times and the jubilant times of your wonderful life. I can’t wait to meet you, hold you, and show you the love I am so anxious to give to you. You came into my life at the most perfect time, no matter the situation that brought you into this world. You saved me from a life that I hope you never have to endure. If it weren’t for you, my love, I can assure you that I wouldn’t have found people to help guide me and a place to go. When I found out I was pregnant with you, I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to raise you. I believed that I wasn’t strong enough or prepared to give you the life you deserve. Being at a stage in my life where I was homeless, all alone, and financially incapable –even having a loving family, I was not able to have a safe place to call home. I was scared that I wouldn’t be a good or even halfway decent mom. After hearing your wondrous heartbeat and falling so desperately in love with you, I realized you were meant to be mine. I prayed to God to guide me through this journey and keep you healthy and strong. I started to receive blessings after I came to a wonderful place called Casa Teresa. Casa Teresa gave us a place to call home and surrounded us with such wonderful, inspiring women with the kindest hearts. These women help us in more ways than I could have ever imagined. We are healthy, safe, loved, and appreciated. None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for you, my little angel. I would still have been lost, afraid and so lonely, with no idea of where I was going to go in life. All those feelings and emotions have changed drastically since you were conceived. You are the most important person in my life already and I will embrace every incredible moment I have with you. You will always be adored, protected, and cherished. You are the perfect blessing! Never forget how much I love you and thank God every day for choosing me to be your mother.
With all my love and soul, Mommy
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Last month, we hosted our annual Gala at the Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach. With a “Gatsby” theme, guests had fun dressing in character for the event. We raised over $190,000 that evening, to support the programs serving pregnant women and their children that call Casa Teresa home. Over 250 attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception, both silent and live auction, wine wall, dinner, and flapper dancers. Two touching videos featured during the evening, shared a former resident’s journey through our program and the impact Casa Teresa’s Emergency Maternity Shelter has in the lives of our moms and the community. Video: Shaina's Story Video: Casa Teresa’s Emergency Maternity Shelter We are so grateful for the generous support of all who sponsored and participated in our 2018 Casa Teresa Gatsby Gala. Your support helps us continue our mission of providing pregnant women in crisis a loving home to begin their healing journey. Thank you to our 2018 Sponsors:
Diamond Sponsors Regina and Richard Hunsaker The Nancy E. & William S. Thompson Family Fund Sapphire Sponsors Applied Medical Arees and Heather Akoubian Lissa and Rich Callaghan Cameron Family and Day Family Jean and Joe Cornyn Emergent Success, Inc. The Frome Family Foundation Rick and Karen Julian Jack and Donna McNutt Cathy and Steve Muzzy Von Der Ahe Family Valet Sponsor The Redfern Family Emerald Sponsors First Republic Bank Lisa Karos Kelter – Re/Max Select One The Stanton Family Erma Jean Tracy Wells Fargo Topaz Sponsors Cavaricci Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Harrington Samuel and Jannette Ingardia Nordhoff Bengfort "Case Manager" is my professional title at Casa Teresa but, I act as a mom, friend, accountability partner, and counselor. I feel it is my role to empower our residents to work toward understanding their worth, and to guide them in a positive direction fostering personal growth. This includes everything from survival needs, to expunging criminal records, or reunifying family. Each woman’s situation is different and therefore case plans vary in structure. The one common denominator is that they are all embarking on the journey of Motherhood. I have a passion for growth and change. For many years, I did not believe it to be possible. I come from a familial cycle of poverty and alcoholism, and left home at 15 years of age from Seattle to California. Needless to say, my journey was rough, troubled, and insane. My mis-spent youth took me into my twenties seeking something different. I turned my life around with the help of a community that knew what I needed. I was eventually able to let go of the negative and allow the support in. This is an extremely difficult process that many cannot persevere. When I sit down with my moms, I feel the same despair, discomfort, and vulnerability that once imprisoned me. I want our moms to know that they deserve a good life; they deserve to be happy and joyful, no matter what their past looks like. As humans, we all have our own personal struggles. Working towards change by trying to develop a healthy family dynamic can be challenging and uncomfortable to those who have never experienced it. I love helping our moms work through these feelings and eventually find a new way to see the world (it’s all about perspective). I feel that if I was able to do it, anyone can. I want our moms to know they can as well. It just takes is one person to break the cycle. I was the first in my family to go to college and graduate. I graduated from college when I was 40 years old and often share that with the moms that believe they lost their chance at an education. It is NEVER too late and I am living proof. Healing broken relationships with family members is truly paramount. Many times hurt feelings and fears of being judged keep us from reconnecting with our families. Some people will go a lifetime not speaking to each other. Many of our moms do not have a family, parents, or role models that have been there for them. As staff members at Casa Teresa, we often play the role of surrogate family to these women. I feel like a mom to all of them and many see me that way, as well. When they leave our program and move on to their new lives, it is very bittersweet for me. Fortunately, most of the alumni keep in contact, which we absolutely LOVE! If there is one thing that I would like others to know about Casa Teresa, is that we changes lives. I have literally watched young women grow up in our program. To watch them as their confidence lifts over time and the self- loathing diminishes is quite a miraculous process; it is inspiring to all that witness. The team here at Casa Teresa all contribute to this process through our love, support, and most importantly, our grace. I have been walking alongside the expectant mothers that walk through the doors of Casa Teresa for 10 years, and personally, for the first time in my life I feel I am right where I am supposed to be. In July, we had our fourth HSE graduation Ceremony. Five Casa Teresa moms received their High School Equivalency Certificates, despite each of these women facing their own individual struggles. Our partnership with American Career College, which provides a free program to our moms, has been key to their success. American Career College’s HSE Academy provides our residents with the instruction and support they need to pass the HSE Exam, which is recognized by the State of California as an equivalent to a high school diploma.
We hosted our largest commencement to date. One of our graduates brought twenty-three guest who witnessed her walk. It was an emotional evening. As each graduating mom walked down to the aisle, there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. All five moms looked radiant and were outfitted courtesy of “The Collection by Casa Teresa”, our resale boutique located off Glassell Street in Downtown Orange. One of our incredibly talented emergency shelter residents opened the ceremony with a heartfelt rendition of the band Creed’s, “With Arms Wide Open”. She customized the lyrics to reflect our graduating mom’s journeys at Casa Teresa. Graduate and Casa Teresa Alumna, Natalie shared her story of her life transformation and personal struggles she overcame to obtain her certificate. Members of the HSE Academy staff handed our graduates their certificates. The entire ceremony was so impactful, it even inspired some of our resident’s relatives to inquire about how to obtain their own High School Equivalency Certificate. LA Italian kitchen donated a delicious meal to add to the celebration of our graduates. We are so for their contribution for the success of our graduation and At Play Photography for taking gorgeous graduation pictures for our moms to remember the special day. I came to Casa Teresa (EMS) in September 2017, then moved to parenting in January 2018. When I first came in I was confused. I wasn’t sure what would be of my life. I’m used to programs (rehab) where it’s just stay sober, follow the rules, and that’s it.
When I moved to Casa Teresa, it was different. Of course there are rules, but that wasn’t new. What was different about Casa Teresa? The Case Managers are very caring. They want a future for us. Being in Casa Teresa made me realize I was doing the right thing. I was following the right path. As soon as I came in, I started a Mariposa program which has helped me a lot in my recovery. I got an Act nurse, which helped me with any questions I had of my pregnancy. There’s also Maria, who helped me get in school right away and also helped with my transportation. Coming in here game me hope to live differently. Moving to parenting I got a different Case Manager. We met right away. Susan, my Case Manager, Dr. Pugh and the house moms have worked with me very well. Meeting with Susan weekly has been very helpful and relieving. She’s made me see my self-worth, made me realize what my goals are. Since I have been here I feel like a completely different person, with different dreams and goals with such a great confidence in being a mother and knowing that when I have questions or doubts I have people here that help me out. I was here for my birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving and other special holidays. It was so much joy. Casa Teresa has helped me in so many ways I don’t look back in my past anymore. I have two children that I’ve lost my parental rights to, but I still have visitation. My Case Manager has helped me and made a way to still see them weekly. Because of my two other children being removed of my care due to my past, my daughter was removed from my care in March. Dr. Pugh and Susan both were very great support and helped me cope with everything going on and stuck by me. Thanks to Casa Teresa and all the parenting classes, life skills, etc. I have my daughter here with me and I am able to be a mother to her. A mother who is now been sober for a year, who has goals and who wants a good future for herself and her children. Casa Teresa has been one of the greatest things that happened to me! Last week, Jill and I threw a baby shower for the moms in the parenting program. We’d been planning it on and off since we arrived at the beginning of June. Having never planned a shower before, I quickly realized that there are lots of little details that go on behind the scenes to make it a success.
We decided on a royal theme, and created games and decorations. We were blessed to have an amazing volunteer make lunch, which really took a lot of stress away from us. My favorite part of the planning process, though, was choosing gifts for the moms from the parenting closet. There were so many cute baby clothes to look through, and we tried to customize each gift bag to the mom. Decorating took place the morning of the shower, and by the time our guests of honor started to arrive, I was sweaty and slightly bruised from falling off a chair while trying to hang a streamer. However, all of the decorating sweat and planning stress paid off in full once the party got underway! We were getting really into the games, racing to match celebrity babies to their famous parents and arguing over which baby picture belonged to which staff member. The best part, though, came when it was time to open gifts. Each mom opened their presents in front of everyone, and we all, "oohed and ahhed", accordingly. After the shower was over, it was clear that our attendees appreciated the time, effort, and love we put in, and that they had a great time. As for me, I was just glad that everyone had fun and that the decorations were much easier to pull down than they were to put up. Casa Teresa’s largest fundraiser is our annual gala. Last year, we raised over $170,000 in net proceeds at our masquerade themed event. We are excited to announce this year’s Gatsby Gala, taking place on October 19th, 6pm-9pm, at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. We invite you to join our swanky soiree, for an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, exciting auctions, and other fun fundraising activities, like our “Wine Wall” – where everyone leaves with a nifty bottle of wine! Tickets on sale now and sponsorships are available. Purchase Gatsby Gala tickets here. For more information, please contact Heather Marshall at 714-538-4860 or [email protected] In 2016 we opened a resale boutique, The Collection by Casa Teresa. Since that time it has successfully provided the community with affordable, on-trend fashions as well as generating funds for our organization. The Collection is more than a store or a source of income though. Fulfilling its main vision and purpose, it’s provides our residents with a unique opportunity to gain valuable, paid work and customer service experience. Not only does this help our women gain confidence in themselves and valuable tools that they can carry on into future careers, earning an income helps them learn how to budget and set obtainable goals for their future.
To date we have been able to help provide this experience to 25 of our women. Many have gone on to get full-time jobs in other areas, saying how working at the store help give them confidence and get back into a routine of working. If you are interested in getting involved with The Collection by Casa Teresa, we are always in need of volunteers and new or gently used men and women's clothing, shoes, and accessories. Please email Store Manager Yvonne for more details: [email protected] The Collection by Casa Teresa 234 N. Glassell Ave., Orange Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11am-5pm Thursday 9am-5pm In March, we shared that Natalie had recently passed her driver's test and was awarded her driver's license. On top of keeping up with her studies, Natalie has been diligently working at The Collection, Casa Teresa’s resale boutique, over the past couple of months, actively saving to buy a car. Last month, a generous donor approach one of our staff members and ask if she knew of anyone in need of a car. The donor's mother had recently passed away and left behind a car in wonderful condition. Our staff member immediately thought of Natalie! Our donor was so happy to help this hardworking mom and knew her mother would have loved to give the car to a woman in need, especially one with children. Now Natalie has reliable transportation and no longer has to rely on the bus to get herself to school, run errands or pick up her son from daycare. As you can imagine, Natalie was speechless and so very grateful.
Motherhood has meant growing up. Stepping out of fear and choosing to no longer to be a victim. Motherhood means learning another way to live. Motherhood means finding power in the name of Jesus. Instead of living in fear, choosing to grow into a God fearing woman. Being a mother means wisdom in discernment, self-control, and above everything else, love. Motherhood is about kindness, patience, and enduring all things. Wisdom in discernment means learning a completely new way of life according to Gods will.
Motherhood is about finger-painting and gardening. Motherhood is fried chicken and garlic mashed potatoes with real butter. Motherhood is about learning to eat my vegetables first. Motherhood is about routine, but the occasional spontaneous change in plans is ok and often needed. Motherhood is finding aromatherapy in hand soap and instant coffee. Motherhood is about laying in the grass and picking out cloud shapes as time goes by. Motherhood is about reading Dr. Seuss books and parenting magazines. Motherhood is poetry in action. Motherhood is laughter and tears. Motherhood is a journey and today I get to enjoy the challenges and victories as a single mother. This means making a new path, going down a road that requires hiking boots instead of flip flops. With the extra work comes extra victory and joy. Motherhood means growing. A person in motion stays in motion. If each day I do something to contribute towards my future, thats a step in the right direction. Finding balance has been difficult. Where before I didn't see the purpose in maintenance and preparation, today I understand - or rather, I'm beginning to see the value in this. All in all, motherhood for me is about self acceptance and growing into the woman God has designed me to be. I'm learning to give myself a break and remember that this is a "rest of my life" process. It's important for me that I take time to enjoy the journey and not focus so much on the destination. After all, the photos will be the memories I hang on the walls of my heart tomorrow. From the essay "What Does Motherhood Mean to Me?" by Casa Teresa mom, Lucy |
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