The urgent plea was written in the margin.
“Please contact.”
Then, Shalliea, a pregnant single mother, handed the clipboard back to Jerolyn Gonzalez, a Better Together family support manager. Jerolyn promised someone would reach out.
Shalliea believed Jerolyn. Doubting wasn’t an option.
The baby girl inside Shalliea was due in February. But Shalliea had no one to keep her 3-year-old son, AJ, while she gave birth. As she left the community baby shower that featured nonprofits, Shalliea put Jerloyn’s promise in her heart, safe from the worry and stress that kept her up nights.
The voice on the phone was warm and caring.
As Alexandra Herron explained how a Better Together volunteer host family could provide short-term care for AJ, Shalliea, for the first time in months, exhaled.
“It changed everything once I knew that someone cared about me being in this situation,” said Shalliea.
Now Shalliea, a U.S. Army veteran, when not working, often spends time with Alexandra at a mom’s support group that Alexandra started. The new friends have become like family, and Alexandra, along with her family, has volunteered to care for AJ when Shalliea gives birth.
Knowing that Elliana Rose, the precious life she carries, and AJ are going to be okay, Shalliea is overjoyed.
“My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Story and moments by Kinfay / Better Together
