Stormi and Darlene Talk About Their Friendship

Stormi’s Story

Q  How did you hear about A Friend for You?

A  Through a pregnancy resource center, Birthline in Loveland, CO.

Q  Who was your matched Friend and what would you like to share about her?   

A  Darlene. She and I would talk or text over the phone and share pictures etc, meet up. And if we couldn’t [meet] we would FaceTime! Darlene is so amazing and I absolutely love how we connected and talked for hours!!

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

A  Yes, Housing. She tried to get me into the maternity home out in Loveland when I was struggling to find housing during my pregnancy and experiencing homelessness, She vouched for me and always knew where to point me and if she needed to find some info she would and was super awesome about getting back to me with answers and questions

Q  What kinds of things have you and Darlene done together?

A  We went to lunch, face timed, we went to events hosted by A Friend for You and she came to praise in the park with me, and came to bible studies with me!! So FUN!

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

A  She helped support me in my choices and encouraged me. She’s a great friend and yes I do plan to stay friends with her!!

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

A  They were very sweet treats, very encouraging reminders that I am thought of throughout my journey and not to give up. I enjoyed them very much, THANK YOU!

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

A   Awesome suggestion to help mama’s especially after having the baby. It’s super nice to have some meals prepared for you! Super amazing!

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

A  YES! I really enjoyed the invites, the events were super fun and the community and connecting with everyone is super cool and fun. There are so many cool families.

Q  Why are you sharing your experience?

A  Because I know I needed help with support, families and stuff can be too stressful. I think getting out of my comfort zone and connecting with A Friend for You really inspired me to not be ALONE. It’s amazing to reach out and just talk to someone who is willing to be there for you. It’s such a sweet treat to have…I am so blessed to have been a part of this community so thank you AGAIN!

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

A  I cannot tell you enough how much of a blessing this support is through A Friend for You. All I can say is give it a try and if you don’t like it then hey at least you can say you tried something new.  And when I tried it from my experience, I can say I was nervous, anxious, embarrassed and ashamed etc.  I was truly awestruck by how my fears quickly turned into hope and excitement for a new friend and a new start to a cool adventure, I was totally engulfed with love and care and kindness the moment me and my friend connected and the hugs meant so much too it’s amazing, I hope this helps you and gives you hope to step out in a leap of faith and reach for the stars because you and the baby you are carrying are truly a blessing and most definitely deserving of this place that can offer such sweet support !! GOD BLESS 

Darlene’s Story (Stormi’s matched Friend)

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

A  I have been a part of A Friend For You for just over a year. 

Q  What things have you and Stormi done together?

A  Oh Stormi and I have had a blast together! We first met up at fast food places for a Coke. But soon we started going to activities like the AFFY pumpkin patch event. Stormi invited me to her Bible study. THAT was a transformative day! She belongs to a group of women who boldly and bravely confront their struggles. She brought me along to Praise in the Park, where she was volunteering! Even then she was paying it forward.

Q  Have you connected Stormi to any community resources? 

A  I made a few suggestions, mostly for housing. But Stormi is remarkably dialed into resources. 

Q  What would you like to share about Stormi?

A  Stormi is an astonishing young woman with unlimited potential. When I met her, she was a bit nervous and uncertain. When I asked her what she was hoping to find in AFFY, she answered that she needed a supportive friend. Then, with graceful poise, she asked what I hoped to find in our relationship. That is an example of her ability to step back and see a bigger picture.

Q  What kind of growth have you seen in Stormi?  

A  Stormi has struggled in the past. Some people thought all she could ever be was a hot mess. But of course, your past is just the beginning of your story. And Stormi, through her own determination and hard work, has built a phenomenal life for herself and her family. She is awe-inspiring. She even achieved a career helping others find their way. I look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in the next ten years.

Q  What do you most enjoy about being friends with Stormi?

A  Stormi wants to use her life for big purposes. She is a woman with a vision for her future, a future that blesses others. I am so lucky to know her.

Q  What do you specifically enjoy about being a Volunteer?

A  What I love about being a volunteer is between the lines of every sentence above. Being involved with young people and watching them grow is very exciting and rewarding.

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.