Meet Vania & Marty

Vania’s Story

Q. How did you hear about A Friend 4U?

A. I heard about A Friend 4U through Matthews House during my first pregnancy in January 2020.

Q. What about A Friend 4U sounded interesting that you wanted to join?

A. It was the support. I don’t have any family or relatives nearby so going through pregnancy by myself sounded really hard so I was looking for that type of support. It was good to have somebody that can check in on me and that I can call.

Q. You have been friends with Marty through both of your pregnancies! What would you like to share about her?

A. She is great person! Every time she sends me a text or a call, it’s good to hear from her. Knowing that I was on her mind is special. It was really nice that I could call her, when I was going through hard times. She was really neutral when I would share things. I’m thankful and grateful that I got into the program because she helped me feel better and it is a great support. She was able to go to appointments with me and it felt like that I wasn’t alone since my family lives far away. I moved out of state temporarily and she stayed in touch during the time I was away with texts or phone calls. When I moved back into town, we now see each other now in person.

When I needed something specific and special, she took the time to help me. For my second baby’s shower, I asked her to make a baby basket out of a watermelon. Even though she had never made one, she did. Oh my, I was so touched! Since I’m breastfeeding, I asked her if I could bring some Mother’s Milk tea. She found it and also made me some lactation cookies.

Q. Did Marty connect you with any other resources/opportunities in the community?

A. She recommended a pregnancy resource fair that I got a lot of things for my first child and am using for my second child. She also went with me to pregnancy classes at UC Health.

Q. This has been an interesting time being pregnant during COVID. How has having Marty during this time helped you?

A. It’s been really good since we stay in touch and she always checks in on me. It feels so good to know that you’re not alone.

Q. What did you think about the post-pregnancy meals and gift package?

A. It was so nice! The creams were so good. It was so sweet to get everything.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to share?

A. I’m grateful that you [A Friend 4U] are in the community, especially for those who are away from family like me.

Q. Would you recommend someone who is pregnant to reach out to A Friend 4U?

A: Yes. It’s nice to have to have someone to count on. Especially during pregnancy you need all the help you can get. It’s a big transition in your life. 

When I needed something specific and special, she took the time to help me. For my second baby’s shower, I asked her to make a baby basket out of a watermelon. Even though she had never made one, she did. Oh my, I was so touched!

Marty’s Story

Q. How long have you been involved with A Friend 4U?

A. A little over 4 years.

Q. What about the A Friend 4U drew you to get involved?

A. I think pregnancy can be a special time in one’s life.  For people who have an unplanned pregnancy that can be a very scary and difficult time.  I wanted to do whatever I could do to help these women during this time in whatever way they may need help.  I feel privileged being let into their life. 

Q. How many women have you “friended?”

A. I have friended several who have moved away but have 3 friends that I am in contact with including my first Friend from 2017.  

Q. What things have you and Vania done together?

A. Her husband was gone for her first birthing class, so I went with her for that and I had only met her once before that night. We also meet for lunch, went to some of her Dr’s appointments and held her newborn babies. Last week I was able to meet her mom who surprised her coming from Mexico for a visit. 

Q. What would you like to share about Vania?

A. She is a sweet, lovely woman who is a great mom.  I’ve enjoyed getting to know her and look forward to a continued relationship with her. 

Q. What kind of growth have you seen in Vania?

A. She was very scared at her first birth – both to give birth and to be a mom.  She is a great mom and very comfortable in that role now. 

Q. What do you specifically enjoy about being a Volunteer Friend?

A. Just getting to know each friend and listening to them and helping in any way I can. 

Q. Any last thoughts you would like to share about A Friend 4U?

A. 1 Peter 4:10 says ” each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace…”   God has allowed me to serve and love these women through A Friend 4U and I hope they will see God’s love thru me.  A Friend 4U is a great support for these wonderful women.