Eily: Little Did I Know…
My Avail story began a little over one year ago when I found out I was unexpectedly pregnant with my daughter Avery. I didn't know what to do at first, to be honest. I thought I couldn't carry to term. She was a late-in-life surprise—my other child is in their twenties! It seemed crazy to think about being a mom again and doing it alone.
So I searched online for help, unsure of what resources were even available. I found a recommendation to check out this place called Avail. I had never heard of Avail and wasn’t even sure how they could help me.
Little did I know how many resources and how much support I was about to get.
Emotional Support
Over the past 15 months, one of the many things I have appreciated most about Avail is the moral and emotional support you receive from the client advocates. I talk to my advocate Julie about everything—and I mean everything! She is such a helpful guide for me emotionally and spiritually, and I trust her completely.
“Just like with everyone at Avail, I feel like she isn’t just doing this because it’s her job. She actually cares about me.”
Practical Support
Avail has given me lots of practical help as well. I love that I can earn points for baby items while going to their classes. And these are nice items, too! I got a really nice swing and play mat for Avery through Avail’s classes. Just last Christmas, I went to a special client event where Avail basically provided for my daughter's whole Christmas. Everyone I meet comments on how nice Avery’s toys and supplies are!
I've also been meeting with Avail’s free financial advisor. She's so savvy and smart, and she's helping me figure out how to get on track with my money.
One of the biggest things Avail did for me was connecting me with the Sisters of Life, who provide free housing for moms like me for a whole year. They're amazing! It's such a gift to have the time and stability to bond with Avery in the first year of her life and not have to worry about where I'm going to live or how I'm going to get food. The Sisters have helped provide both Avery and me with clothes and other essential things. I got a year of leave from my job but it's unpaid so having this place to stay has been so important for me.
Even though Avery is quickly outgrowing the baby stage, I still meet with Julie once or twice a month, and I tell everyone I know about Avail.
“I could go on and on about the ways that Avail has helped me. Avail is truly changing the course of my life—and Avery’s. We are so grateful for it and everyone who makes it possible. ”
Your support makes it possible for us to offer this whole-person care to women like Eily—for free.