Abby's Story

With the sounds of her 9-month-old daughter babbling in the other room, Abby* tearfully looked at the positive pregnancy test in her hand. She sank to the ground, exhausted. She had been working two jobs, including night shifts, to try and support herself and her baby. She was living with family; and while this was certainly an improvement from being homeless during her first pregnancy, she was trying to afford a different housing situation. 

Later when telling her mom the news, she was urged to get an abortion. While abortion wasn’t what Abby wanted, she did resonate with her mother’s doubts of her handling another baby. This was not what she had pictured her life looking like. 

During her second trimester, Abby’s sister recommended Compass. Although skeptical, Abby set up her first appointment. Feeling it a safe enough place to do so, she opened up to the client care director about her concerns of handling two children. But Abby’s doubts were met with encouragement. Her needs were met with provision. Her advocate would encourage Abby at her visits - that she was not alone and that she had a safe place to ask for help.

Having never been able to afford a crib for her first daughter, she remembered how much she treasured a new crib provided to her by Compass.

Today, Abby is still feeling a bit unsteady. Housing and childcare costs as a single mom still discourage her, but Abby has a fire in her soul that has not diminished. Compass played a significant role in fueling Abby to keep trying for her little girls. “It’s a good place to go when you’re in a tough spot,” Abby recalls, grateful for her care at Compass.

Do you want to help women like Abby? Donate to Compass today.

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