Buckelew’s La Maternidad y Esperanza Program helped me during the most difficult time of my life. We were going through COVID when my daughter was 2-year-old. I couldn’t work, because I was taking care of my daughter, and then my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. Our financial situation was practically zero.

I was felt terrible, depressed, sad, and lonely. I didn’t know what to do, and then I was referred to the Maternidad program. Participating in this family support group changed my life forever.

At Maternidad, I could attend meetings with my daughter, and she could play with other kids in the group. She was able to socialize, and I was able to talk and laugh with the other moms in the program. It was a safe place to talk about my personal life.

I started feeling much better. I didn’t feel isolated anymore, and the level of depression I experienced decreased. I was able to access help with my rent, bring home donations of groceries, and even received a gift card for gasoline. I couldn’t believe that my family and I were no longer alone. There was help; I found it in Maternidad.

The next wonderful moment occurred when Hilda brought the group to the First 5 Marin Forum, where the topic was Family Law. Attending that Forum opened the door for many opportunities. I met important people in my community, learned about other programs and organizations that help families and children, and connected with other resources available in the community.

Now, thanks to Maternidad Program, I’m involved with community organizations, I do volunteer work, and I’m a member of “Parents Voice of Marin.” I have been learning a lot about how the system works. My life has changed forever!