Olivia: From Complicated to Connected
I had just moved back to NYC from South America, having worked at a nonprofit there and having had a New York consulting client not pay her bills for ten months. I wasn’t destitute but I was definitely not in a great position financially. My now husband, a recent immigrant on a school visa, and I had moved in together with the idea that we would start a family one day.
When I became pregnant, I contacted Avail thinking they were a clinic where I could take a pregnancy test. They turned out to be this incredibly organized, thoughtful, and effective organization that’s here to help New York women navigate the incredibly complicated world of pregnancy in the big city.
I wanted to keep the baby, and they helped me take free parenting, breastfeeding and birth prep classes, helped me navigate through directories for social services like WIC, health insurance, hospitals, and so much more. I even got points toward free items for the baby, like clothes and a playpen. They proactively asked if my now husband wanted to come in to talk and feel supported.
I felt incredibly connected when I could have felt vulnerable and alone.
Because of this, I was able to save up, stay calm, win a scholarship to a certificate program through a local university, and have now accepted a job at a more lucrative company.
“I cannot thank Avail enough for helping to transform my life.”
Your support helps us make sure no one is alone in their unexpected pregnancy.