Nicole and Tracey Talk About Their Friendship

Nicole’s Story

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

A. Through Birthline of Loveland.

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

A. I really liked the idea of having a non-judgmental person who would not only help but listen to me during my journey through motherhood.

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 with Tracey. Our relationship grew through our commonalities. We both have the same birthday, and gave birth to children at the same age. We’re also similar in our approach to life, which is through faith and being an honest person. What I like about Tracy is that she is authentic and doesn’t judge me.

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

A. She did! It was very helpful as I have an infant and sometimes I don’t have time to research what’s out there.

Q. What kinds of things have you and Tracey done together? How have you spent time together?

A. Tracey has helped me with running every-day errands like going to the post office and grocery store. We’ve also shared meals together and had in-depth conversations about what’s happening in the world.

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

A. It has helped me immensely! I never thought in a million years I would be parenting solo. It’s been a relief to know that I’m not alone, and that there are people who accept me in spite of my circumstances. I plan on staying in contact with her.

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

A. Those meant so much to me! It made me feel special, that I matter, and it really gave me a hope for the future. It made me feel I was worthy of motherhood and excited to meet my baby.

Q. What did you think about the meals and gift package after your delivery?

A. I loved them! I was not expecting them and they came in handy, especially after coming home from the hospital.

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

A. I am sharing my experience because I want other women to know it’s OK to ask for help. Especially if you are going through a tough time. It can be scary but you can’t live in fear, especially with becoming a mother. You have to be brave but also know that you are lovable. That’s what I like about A Friend for You. They remind you of that. This is essential in being able to move on and build a life for yourself.

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

A. No one is successful on their own. It’s imperative you have support. It’s unsustainable to raise children on your own. There are people who want to help you and won’t judge you. It’s worth taking the first step and making that call.

“I never thought in a million years I would be parenting solo. It’s been a relief to know that I’m not alone, and that there are people who accept me in spite of my circumstances.”

 

Tracey’s Story (Nicole’s matched Friend)

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

A. I went through training in January of 2022. I was matched with Nicole in June of 2022.

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

A. In the best of circumstances, pregnancy is filled with unknowns and can be scary. When circumstances are less than ideal, there are more unknowns. Being the mother of four, I hoped to be able to walk with someone through the uncertainties and be an encouragement.

Q. What things have you and Nicole done together?

A. When we met, Nicole was about six months along in her pregnancy. Initially we had weekly coffee dates and a few outings to stores. After her baby was born, I tried to help with some household chores. We have primarily run errands or gone to appointments – Birthline Loveland, grocery, post office.

Q. Have you connected Nicole to any community resources?

A. A few. Although we have discussed some, Nicole had reached out to most community resources before I met her. We have worked through some budgeting materials that I have.

Q. What would you like to share about Nicole?

A. Nicole is very bright and articulate. In her life, she has already risen above many difficult circumstances; much more difficult than any of my own or most people I know. Although there are uncertainties still to face, I believe Nicole and her child have a bright future ahead. She has a heart to encourage and help those who have faced circumstances similar to her own; I believe she will make a positive difference in the world.

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

A. There are several things I’ve enjoyed about our friendship. I volunteered to be her friend, but she has made an effort to be my friend as well – always thanking me, asking questions about me & my family, investing in me. And I get to hold a baby! Nicole and I have several things in common – same birthday, same age for first pregnancy, first child a boy delivered by cesarean – I believe God’s providence brought us together.

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

A. I’ve been impressed with the amount of support I have received from A Friend for You. In addition to the initial training, there are monthly opportunities to learn about pregnancy resources, social times with other volunteers, and regular check-in calls to see if I need anything.

“In the best of circumstances, pregnancy is filled with unknowns and can be scary… I hoped to be able to walk with someone through the uncertainties and be an encouragement.”

 

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.