Home for the Holidays: A New Beginning for Family Support Services Client Ashlee and Her Family

“You have no idea how special it is to have our own home for the holidays,” said Ashlee, a young mother in Catholic Charities Boston’s Family Support Services program in Lowell. “My main goal was always to move into our own place before my son was born, and Catholic Charities helped to make that happen.” 

Just one month ago, Ashlee and her children were living in a state shelter while she searched for permanent housing. In early December, one week before welcoming her newborn son into the world, however, Ashlee and her family moved into their own furnished apartment, marking a new chapter made possible by the support system Ashlee says she found at Catholic Charities. 

The Family Support Services Program is an in-home and community visitation and family support service that supports DCF (Department of Children and Families) families and children, helping parents to become more active, responsible, and supportive to their children’s needs. Beyond support finding permanent housing, Ashlee said staff provided her with parenting skills, mentoring sessions, food assistance, and access to critical community resources, including securing her a furniture donation from the nonprofit Household Goods.  

“When we walked into the new apartment and saw it was fully furnished with everything we needed, it was amazing,” Ashlee said. “They have been so organized and supportive in helping me navigate this entire process.” 

When Ashlee isn’t able to visit Catholic Charities’ Lowell Food Pantry in-person herself, she said her Peer Support Specialist Patricia Busser will bring groceries from the pantry to her. Other days, she brings grocery store gift cards, baby supplies, and other essential items. 

“From finding me a local doctor when I was pregnant to helping me access affordable transportation so my kids can get to school, she has done so much,” Ashlee said. “She is someone I can go to with anything.” 

Over the last few months, Ashlee said she has begun exploring pathways into the social work field, inspired by the unwavering support she has received from Patricia and other program staff. 

“I want to help other families and children who are in need like I was,” she said. 

Earlier this month, Ashlee received another unexpected blessing when an anonymous donor in the community offered to sponsor a Family Support Services client for Christmas. The donor provided brand-new bedding, apartment decor, and Christmas gifts for each of Ashlee’s children. 

“I really appreciate everything we’ve received,” Ashlee said. “I love the idea of my children having a happy Christmas morning.” 

Thanks to the support of Catholic Charities Boston and the generosity of the community, Ashlee and her children will celebrate this holiday season with a sense of hope—together as a family, and at home. 

To learn more about how you can support Catholic Charities clients in need this holiday season, visit our Hope for the Holidays page.