Abby and Brittany Talk About Their Friendship

Abby – Client 

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

A. I heard about A Friend for You from one of my friends. She said that her only regret was that she didn’t reach out to A Friend for You sooner in her pregnancy. She reminded me a few times and I finally reached out. I’m glad I did!

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

A. At the beginning of my pregnancy, I was feeling very lonely. A lot of the people in my circle were excited for me, but putting their expectations on my pregnancy which was really frustrating. I was most interested in having someone I could walk through the journey with that had been there before.

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

A. Brittany was my matched friend, and she was a perfect match for me! When we had our first meet up, we found out we had a lot in common and knew some of the same people, which was such a gift. Our relationship continued to grow as we met every month and texted in between. She was a wonderful sounding board, helped me feel seen and heard, and prayed for me too.

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

A. No, but I really didn’t need any community resources. I mostly needed the conversations and support. However, the newsletter has been really helpful to learn more about what’s offered in the community.

 Q. What kinds of things have you and Brittany done together?

A. We grabbed lunch at Bread Fellow a couple of times and met for tea a few times as well!

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

A. Having Brittany as a friend was helpful because it helped me feel less alone. Because she knew what it was like to be pregnant and have kids, she knew what I needed to hear, which was beyond helpful. I definitely plan on staying friends with Brittany. Honestly, postpartum has been harder for me than being pregnant. Having Brittany still as my friend has helped me feel less alone and has helped my struggles feel more normal-sized.

Q. What did you think about the gifts A Friend for You sent during your pregnancy?

A. I enjoyed them! It is always fun to get something in the mail. The pregnancy bath salts were definitely the best!

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

A. The gift package was truly wonderful. We have used what we got in the gift package every day! We haven’t had a chance to use the gift card that came with the gift package yet, but we’re looking forward to doing that when we can.

Q. Why are you sharing your experience? 

A. I want people to know that A Friend For You isn’t just for people who don’t have support and need financial assistance. It’s for anyone who is navigating pregnancy. I also wanted to share my experience because I’m so glad I heard about this and reached out to A Friend for You. I would have regretted it if I didn’t.

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

A. It can be intimidating to reach out for help, but it’s worth it. Even if you’re just looking for a friend who has been there before and don’t necessarily need other resources, it’s a wonderful way to build a relationship with someone you wouldn’t have met otherwise. And A Friend For You is wonderful at pairing you with one of their volunteers. They take the time to determine what would be best and match you with the perfect friend.

Brittany – Volunteer

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

A. I’ve been with A Friend for You since January of 2023. 

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

A.I wanted to join A Friend for You because I’ve always had a heart for helping mothers and for advocating for life. This felt like a really tangible way to put action behind my convictions and walk alongside mothers who were in crisis or simply needed a friend to talk to as they navigated a huge life change. 

Q. What things have you and Abby done together? 

A.Abby and I have met for tea, coffee, and lunch to connect and catch up on everything going on in life. 

Q. Have you connected Abby to any community resources? 

A.I haven’t connected Abby to community resources because she wasn’t in need of any outside help. She’s married to a supportive husband, works a good job, is connected within her church community, and has supportive friends and family around her. 

Q. What would you like to share about Abby? 

A.I think Abby is such a wonderful mother. The love that she displays and the way in which she has slipped so well into a new chapter of life have been really inspiring. 

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

A.Abby is really easy to talk to and connect with. She enjoys a lot of the same hobbies and we share some mutual friends. She is great about asking questions and remembering details. One of the biggest things that really stood out to me was on our first meeting when she remembered the names of each staff member at the tea shop we visited and made sure to compliment and encourage them. 

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

A.I love being a volunteer because it’s a wonderful way to connect with people you may otherwise never get the chance to connect with. I’ve been matched with such a variety of women and have learned and grown through every encounter. I’ve gotten to step outside of my typical comfort zone and befriend mothers who have ranged from teen moms, to single moms, to moms who are rebuilding after seasons of abuse or substance use, and moms who are established in their communities but simply need someone to talk to. Overall, it’s been a really beneficial experience for everyone involved.