Community Care Fund update
Throughout the last year I’ve been trying to get the word out about the Community Care Fund (CCF) I established. For now, it simply lives on a PayPal site, but later in the year, I hope to move it to a different platform. I’m pleased to share an update on how things are going with the fund so far.
Thanks to the generosity of past/current clients, family, friends, and strangers, the fund has specifically helped two families already in 2023. The first is a couple who’s expecting their first child, a daughter any day now. Several weeks ago the husband, whose day job was with his small family business, suddenly found himself unemployed when said business burned. to. the. ground. These clients were on a payment plan and feeling stressed - the say the least - about finances and what the future would hold. Without hesitation, I was able to offer them the remainder of their balance due which was covered by the CCF.
The second family is a couple who’ve been trying to conceive for years and finally got pregnant with their daughter through IVF. Late last year they contacted me about being their labor doula for an estimated June delivery and I was thrilled to have an opening for them! In the first days of the new year, however, they learned that their sweet girl had abnormalities that weren’t compatible with human life and that the pregnancy would have to be terminated. News no one ever wants to hear, especially after so much money, time, and heartache in the process to conceive.
Because of the laws in Ohio and the timing of things, these clients weren’t able to end their pregnancy with dignity in their hometown but had to travel out of state for the procedure. I wasn’t able to be with them for the delivery, but have been able to offer some postpartum support thanks to a generous donation by a previous client. Being able to offer this kind of care specifically, free of charge means the world to me and to my clients. To learn more about this family’s horrific experience, watch their interview on CNN. And if you’re so inclined, visit their GoFundMe page to help cover medical expenses, help with monthly bills as Beth physically and emotionally begins the healing process while being off of work, and anything left over will go toward potential future IVF treatment.
The contributions people are making to this fund matter - no matter how small or large the amount. Please know that I really appreciate you as do the families that I’m getting to serve through your generosity.
