Category: Client Story

Q. When did you participate in A Friend for You?

A. I participated in A Friend for You on August 21st, 2019. 

Q. Why did you feel the need to reach out to A Friend for You?

A. I felt the need to reach out to A Friend for You because I was new to the area and needed a friend to help me with my depression.

Q. Who is your Volunteer Friend, and how did your relationship with Kay develop?

A. My friend is Kay, we started out texting each other and then went out to lunch and on walks in the parks/trails around town. 

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

A. Yes, she did! She connected me to the food bank and Birthline in Loveland where I met and made more friends.

Q. What kinds of things have you and Kay done in spending time together?

A. We have gone out to lunch and walks in the park and some shopping.

Q. How often would you get together?

A. We try to meet together every week.

Q. Anything else you would like to share about your Friend, Kay?

A. Kay has welcomed me with open arms and has never passed judgement on me. She has helped me through my depression and my pregnancy. She has given me tons of advice and guidance on so many things.

Q. What did you think about the Care for You delivery?

A. The meals and care package are an awesome idea! The meals were so delicious! The care package helped me out with feeling of getting back to normal.

Q. How did calling A Friend for You benefit you?

A. Calling A Friend for You was the best thing I had ever done. It has helped me so much with my depression and trust issues. And has helped me make new friends!

Q. Would you recommend A Friend for You to another woman, and if so, what would you tell her?

A. Yes, I would and have! I would tell her that A Friend for You helps you find the resources you need for you and the baby but also you are gaining a friend that you can talk to through the process. Also, through A Friend for You I have gained more than a friend but family in the process!

“Kay has welcomed me with open arms and has never passed judgement on me. She has helped me through my depression and my pregnancy.”

Kay’s Story

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

A. I have been a part of A Friend for You for about a year now. 

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

A: The opportunity to help women when they need support and encouragement from a trusted friend.

Q. Describe your experience as a Volunteer Friend. What things did you and Gabby do together?

A. Things have gone well for Gabby and I from the start. We have tried to see each other several times a month and we visit over coffee or take a walk when the weather allows. 

Q. What kind of growth have you seen in yourself since becoming a Volunteer Friend?

A. I have tried to focus on giving myself to Gabby without any expectations for our friendship. 

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

A. I have seen Gabby willing to open up to me over time and it has been great to hear that our relationship has helped her with her trust issues.

Q. Do you still keep in touch with Gabby?

A. I want to maintain my friendship with Gabby as long as she wants to have a friendship. I am hopeful it will grow even more meaningful to us both over time. 

Q. Tell me about your most rewarding experience with A Friend for You.

A. It has been very important for me to give myself in friendship to someone even though I have challenges in my own life to deal with. I can be a friend to and help Gabby no matter what is going on in my life. 

Q. What has been the most difficult aspect of being a Volunteer Friend?

A. Time

Q. What would you say to someone who is interested in volunteering with A Friend for You?

A. It is definitely a wonderful thing to be involved with!

Q. Do you believe A Friend for You is a worthwhile organization? If so, why?

A. I believe it is very worthwhile. I believe it is so important for me to allow God to use me in other people’s lives and I’m very thankful that I learned about A Friend for You and have become a part of this ministry. 

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.