Jennifer and Darlene Talk About Their Friendship

Jennifer’s Story

Q. How did you hear about A Friend for You?

 A.  How I heard about A Friend For You Program, was through a flyer at my doctors office, do you know how when you’re waiting for the doctor to come in and it feels like forever you just start looking at the walls, well, I have seen a flyer talking a little bit about the program stating that if you need a friend in need, to contact A Friend For You.   

Q. What sounded most interesting about our services that led you to join?  

 A. Honestly, it sounded like it was a very supportive program. I really wasn’t getting much of that at home for my second pregnancy.   

Q. Who was your matched Friend, and how did your relationship with your Friend grow?  What would you like to share about her?     

 A. I was matched up with the most sweetest, genuine, caring gal named Darlene, I loved everything about Darlene. She made me feel like a her daughter, a friend, a supporter, a sweet grandma to my son. Words truly can’t explain the growth I learned from Darlene. She taught me to be a better mother. She listened to my story, she was my supporter. She reassured me the positivity about being pregnant and enjoying the little things in the pregnancy. She always cared about my feelings when we couldn’t do meet ups she was willing to do FaceTime, and we would literally be on the phone for hours I truly appreciate her so much. I carry her words of wisdom with me every day.   

Q. Did Darlene connect you with any other resources/opportunities in the community and was that helpful?  

 A. Yes Darlene referred me to Birthline in Loveland, she referred me to embrace grace, she referred me to a lot of little programs that supply in diapers and wipes. If it wasn’t for Darlene, I would have never known about all the programs and other referrals that she sent me to.  

Q. What kinds of things have you and your matched friend done together?   

A. The things Darlene and I have done would be meeting up at a couple different parks, we’ve gone to McDonald’s, she came into my home, we FaceTime when we couldn’t do meet ups. anything that I felt comfortable in doing Darlene was willing to go out of her way for.   

Q.  How has having your matched friend during this time helped you?  Do you plan on staying friends with her?   

A. Of course I plan on staying friends with Darlene. She will always have a special place in my heart. It has helped me tremendously because when I had people at home telling me that I shouldn’t keep the baby that it was just too risky for my health. It was emotionally depressing it was lonely. Darlene truly helped me have a better happier positive experience with my pregnancy. She reminded me that my feelings come first, my happiness, my experience in my last and final pregnancy. She basically reminded me that I should always come first in my decisions with my life.  

Q. What did you think about the gifts A Friend for You sent during your pregnancy (the gifts that were mailed to you) ? 

 A. I felt loved and cared for when receiving the sweet gifts from A Friend For You. I would honestly have to say it made me feel like a little kid receiving gifts for Christmas. He gave me such a joy opening the boxes, the cards reading the message behind the gift. some of the gift cards also included a gift card for my son and I to get a little snack or meal. That was very generous.    

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

 A. The post pregnancy meals and gift packages was a complete help 100%. I never thought that a program would do such a thing like that. I was extremely grateful I had a C-section so I really couldn’t move much so the frozen meals came in handy extremely well to feed my son and I. By far, super grateful for that.   

Q. Have you attended any of A Friend for You’s client/volunteer group events?  What do you think about them?

 A. Oh my goodness yes why can I say about the group events? Well, let me start off by saying they are extremely fun family oriented. My son absolutely loves going to the group event. I’ve gone to the one at the Martinez farm in Fort Collins and my son absolutely love the animals. He loved the pizza he loved the cookies. He loved the cupcakes. He was just so spoiled that day, we’ve also gone to the The Gardens on Spring Creek Christmas light showing that was very beautiful, take pictures with Santa Claus now my son will be going to the laser tag in Loveland. I’m so excited to see how he will react with that, the group events are free of admissions, they for sure help the kids run around, the Mom’s get to catch a break walk around experience new things other than being home.  

Q. Why are you sharing your experience? (This could be about your own personal feelings, about A Friend for You or your matched friend?) 

A. I am personally sharing my experience with A Friend For You Program, because it has changed my life in such a better way, it gave me a supporter, a friend, new experience, it made me feel cared for, it also gave me guidance on how to be a better mom for my kids.     

Q. What do you want to say to someone who is pregnant and feeling like she could use some extra support?    

 A. If you were feeling confused about the pregnancy, worried about resources to support the the pregnancy or even after birth, need some guidance. need to feel cared for supported for or just listened too I would highly recommend reaching out to A Friend For You.   

Darlene’s Story (Jennifer’s matched Friend)

Q. How long have you been involved with A Friend for You?

I have been involved with A Friend for You for just over a year.  

Q. What drew you to get involved with A Friend for You?

 I had been volunteering with a birthing center nearby. While working there, I was struck by the isolation and loneliness many of the young mothers were experiencing. Through the birthing center resource list, I learned about AFFY. Then one day, an AFFY spokesperson presented at a Bible study I was attending. It felt like she was speaking to my heart. 

Q. What things have you and Jennifer done together?

We have met for snacks or lunch. Often we go to the park with her young son. She has graciously invited me into her home as well. 

Q. Have you connected Jennifer any community resources? 

I have offered a few resources and activities to Jennifer. She feels she is connected to the resources she needs most. Primarily Jennifer needed a sympathetic and encouraging friend to talk to.

Q. What would you like to share about Jennifer?  

Jennifer is a joyful and gentle young woman, who was caught in a time of uncertainty. I think she was afraid to ask for the things she wanted for her life.

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

Oh goodness Jennifer has grown so much! She is pondering large choices about her future. She recognizes that she deserves to take care of herself as well as her children. 

Q. What do you most enjoy about being friends with Jennifer?

 Jennifer is so very genuine. She offers her real self to her friends. I believe she will continue to grow, and will make her own place in the world.

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

 I love being a part of people’s lives. It is a joy to me when people let me in and allow me know them. AFFY is one of the most satisfying ways to volunteer and to pour into others.  

Are you pregnant or know someone who is that could use some extra support and encouragement?  

Just contact A Friend for You to learn more.