Ally and Dasha Talk About Their Friendship

Ally’s Story

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

A. I heard about A Friend for You through my mom. She was looking for resources for me and found a brochure at The Healing Place in Loveland.

Q. What was most compelling about our services that led you to join A Friend for You?

A. I was already a mother with two boys and had left a very physically abusive relationship. The next relationship I was in was difficult in many ways and I was uncertain about if I would have a partner during my current pregnancy at that time. I felt alone and scared because I didn’t have many people around me for support. My mom was the only person, but it was a lot to push on her given the circumstances I was in. I read about A Friend for You and found that having a friend to talk to and be there for prayer grabbed my attention. I was in need of comfort and encouragement with God’s word.

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

A. Dasha was my matched friend. Both her and I had two boys and were expecting a baby girl around the same time. It was so nice to be able to communicate with her about the journey of having three kiddos. We were able to connect on our thoughts about raising the kids. The challenges that came with it, but also the beauty. I was overwhelmed with being pregnant and sick all the time all while having other kids to raise. It was nice to be able to share my feelings with her without any judgment. My relationship was also very hard and I was emotionally distressed with feelings of insecurity and loneliness. Dasha was so wonderful with her gentleness and kind words to help lift my spirit. She prayed for me many times and my situation which really helped me to see positivity through my pregnancy.

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

A. Dasha informed me on many resources around the area that were helpful. She was informative on which websites to go to. She communicated with me about many opportunities through A Friend for You and helped me sign up for gifts and food.

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

A. Dasha and I met up at the playground so I could bring my 4 year old son. She had given me meals and gifts as well. While we wanted to meet up more, I struggled to meet her due to sickness and pain that came with my pregnancy. She was very understanding and still texted me as much as she could.

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

A. Dasha is an amazing woman. I did not feel ashamed or embarrassed even when I had to talk to her about my situation. She’s very kind and supportive with the most uplifting words. Dasha has played a big role in helping me keep a positive mindset through my pregnancy. On top of that, she was pregnant herself and was still a friend to me. I am  so thankful for this program and to have been matched with Dasha.

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

A. The gifts sent during my pregnancy came at the right times. I was always in shock when I received the gifts because they were exactly what I needed during that time. I am not used to getting gifts so it was enlightening to feel seen/heard by others. They even sent gifts for my other children for Christmas. I was in tears because I was worried I couldn’t afford a lot of gifts for them to begin with. They were so happy to receive those and I felt as if I had a team to help me get through the holidays.

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

A. I was very appreciative of the gifts received after and the food. I was going through such a rough patch with my partner after having the baby. I felt worried and very sad many times, but being able to have food and gifts eased my mind. Especially having other kiddos to look after, those meals were easy and so delicious for the whole family.

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

A. Unfortunately I have not attended a group event. My kids have ended up sick during some.

Q. Why are you sharing your experience?

A. I am sharing my experience because I have been in a place of loneliness for a while. I struggled to overcome the hurt from my past and for a while I shut myself out from the world. I have been judged before by many people and felt insecure with my situation. When I was given this opportunity with A friend for you, I felt relieved and accepted. I felt as if my situation was not the defining factor of who I was as a person. Instead these wonderful women helped me to feel secure and confident. They truly helped me through a rough time and they went way beyond what I expected. I hope that other women who may be in a similar situation as me can see this and give it a try.

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

A. The words I would have to say are endless. However, I’d like to say that pregnancy is a beautiful and challenging process. It is amazing what God has designed and how we as women can carry a baby within a year. It may be scary to reach out for help, but God has really put his hands on A Friend for You. If there is any time for you to step out of your comfort zone and reach out to anyone, I would recommend A Friend for You.

 

Dasha’s Story (Ally’s matched Friend)

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

A. I became a volunteer in 2020. So I have been involved for about 4 years now.

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

A. When I heard about their mission I immediately knew that I should join. I love that I can be involved in other women’s lives and support/encourage them and be encouraged through the journey of motherhood.

Q. What things have you and Ally done together? 

A. We have gone on playground dates and met for coffee. We text each other too throughout the month.

Q. Have you connected Ally to any community resources? 

A. I shared about local organizations that I thought might help with some of her needs.

Q. What would you like to share about Ally?

A. She is very sweet and beautiful woman on the outside and inside. She is brave and trying hard to raise her kids the best way she can. She is also caring and a good friend. She is always polite. I love that we can openly talk about all sorts of things and share our life experiences.

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

A. She is growing spiritually and taking her walk with Jesus deeper. I can see that even on her face, she is shining.

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

A. I like that we always understand each other as we both have two boys about the same age and our daughters were born around the same time also. So when it comes to motherhood we are on the same journey of raising kids and can support and give advice to each other about that. She is also fun to be around and I like just to spend some girls time together.

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

A. I love the community of women I have met and are now in my life because of A Friend for You.

Q. Anything else you want to add (this could be about A Friend for You or about Ally)?

A. A Friend for You is a great place for mothers to meet and build friendships. Life can be hard and you don’t need to be alone. A Friend for You has brought so many friends into my life that I am very thankful for!

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.