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Tag: Stories

Building Financial Confidence

Written by Lauren Callaghan on . Posted in Blog.

For New Moms Financial Coach Nia, tax season is more than just paperwork—it’s a chance to connect with young moms about their financial goals. In her role, she helps participants in New Moms’ programs with budgeting, monitoring credit scores, opening checking and high-yield savings accounts, and planning for the future.

Nia meets moms at different stages of their financial journey. Some are just starting their first job and learning to manage a steady income, so she focuses on catching up on bills and setting financial goals. Others, like those working at Bright Endeavors, may be ready to open a bank account, and Nia helps them explore their options—even guiding them through the application process on the spot!

“Some participants haven’t had support with managing finances, so I try to remove the fear and inspire confidence in budgeting and reaching their goals,” Nia explains.

Helping Moms Access Free Tax Services

On Fridays, Nia takes participants to Wilbur Wright College, where nonprofit partner LadderUp offers a free tax refund clinic. There, tax professionals help moms file their taxes at no cost.

“It breaks my heart when I hear about a mom in our program who paid $200–300 to file her taxes when she could have done it for free,” Nia shares. “They’re already financially stressed, so it’s so important that we help them take advantage of these services.”

Beyond filing taxes, Nia also helps participants plan how to use their refunds wisely. Are they behind on rent or bills? Are they working toward a savings goal? This process helps them practice financial planning and prioritization.

Defining Success

For Nia, success is when a mom takes the initiative—whether by reaching out to say she’s starting a savings account or asking for advice on a financial decision.

“It tells me they’re applying what we talked about and taking steps toward a stable future,” she says.

At New Moms, we believe every young mom has the potential to build a thriving future for her family. Through financial coaching, we’re helping them lay a strong foundation—one smart decision at a time.

Thank You for Supporting Operation Santa 2024!

Written by Jenna Hammond on . Posted in Blog. No Comments on Thank You for Supporting Operation Santa 2024!

A Heartfelt Thank You for Another Incredible Year of Operation Santa!

Since 2020, our holiday celebrations at New Moms have looked a little different, and for four years, Operation Santa has been at the heart of it all. This wonderful Christmas toy drive has grown stronger each year, helping us better support families and strengthen our New Moms community. It’s been inspiring to watch people from all walks of life—families, businesses, and multiple generations—come together to surround our families with LOVE and help create unforgettable holiday memories.

This year, we received 2,665 gifts donated! Thanks to the generosity of our community, we received even more gifts after the registry closed, making it possible for us to spread joy to so many families.

We are deeply grateful to all the volunteers, donors, and supporters who made this possible. Your participation in Operation Santa ensures that love, connection, and the hope for a bright future continue to shine brightly for the young families in our programs.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and peaceful holiday season!

Dominique – Stronger Than Ever

Written by Jenna Hammond on . Posted in Stories. No Comments on Dominique – Stronger Than Ever

Dominique knows how important it is to have a community of support when life is overwhelming.

Before she found New Moms, she and her son had slept in cars and foreclosed apartments just to find safety and comfort for a night. Dominique says, “I felt low, like I was failing my son and myself. I worked—but not as many hours as I needed to take care of my son.”

For the last two years in New Moms’ Housing program, Dominique has worked closely with New Moms Coaches. “What really impacted me in this program is Ms. Carolyn and Ms. Teneca. They treated me with respect and nurtured me into the young lady that I am becoming. When I thought I had no one in my corner, I always had them. I’m forever grateful for them.” 

Dominique with the keys to her new home.

These supportive relationships with her coaches provided mental and emotional slack so she could focus on achieving her goals. Dominique took steps to secure stable housing—her biggest and most immediate goal for her family. Housing Locator Carolyn worked with Dominique every step of the way to get placed in subsidized housing. She recently signed a lease to a townhome in the neighborhood where she grew up, just 30 minutes away from her grandmother! 

Dominique accomplished her next major goal of finding employment. She now works at Potbelly Sandwiches, where she got a raise and was promoted to floor manager! Her smile says it all—she knows what it feels like to accomplish her goals.

“New Moms supported me mentally, physically, and emotionally. Without this program I don’t know what would have happened to us. It gave me a sense of security while trying to get my life together.” 

Dominique is excited about “having a home and just appreciating what we have right now. I’m excited for my son to have sleepovers, and little play dates together with his friends. I’m excited I get to cook dinner and breakfast for my son, not worrying about if we have to move or if we are being a burden to anyone.”

Reflecting on how much she has grown since coming to New Moms, Dominique shares, “I’m glad I overcame thinking I couldn’t give my son the life he needs. I’m now stronger than ever and I’ll never let that fear take over me again. Thank you New Moms!”