‘It really makes a difference:’ Catholic Charities Boston Helps Single Mother of Two Find Stability

“Even working in a good job, it is extremely difficult to keep up with one paycheck,” said Leslie, a single mother of two living in Dorchester.  

As a full-time mental health counselor at a local Boston hospital, Leslie never expected to find herself in need. With the increased cost of groceries, rent, and everyday essentials, however, Leslie said she has recently found herself stretching her paycheck to feed her two young children and pay the bills.  

“It’s just not enough,” said Leslie. “It can be very hard.” 

Thanks to Catholic Charities Boston, however, Leslie knows she doesn’t have to face these challenges on her own.  

Leslie first discovered the agency through a friend while searching for childcare in South Boston, where she previously lived. At the time, her youngest daughter was just two years old. When Leslie learned that Catholic Charities Child Care used a sliding fee scale based on income, she said she felt overcome with relief. Finally, she had found a high-quality program that fit within her budget.  

From her daughter’s first day in the program, Leslie said she knew she had made the right choice. Not only did the program strengthen her cognitive development and social skills, but it also introduced her to a team of teachers and mentors who helped her daughter cope with her own challenges and growing pains.  

“Initially, my daughter was struggling to adapt and express herself,” she said. “But the teachers have gone above and beyond their expectations. They worked with her emotions and helped her learn how to express herself.” 

When Leslie moved to an apartment in Dorchester, her daughter was able to easily transfer into the Yawkey Child Care program. Now five years old, Leslie said her daughter is thriving and looks forward to school every day. 

“Being around other kids has been great for her,” she said. “The teachers are so nice and friendly and awesome to work with.” 

Beyond knowing her daughter is in good hands, Leslie said Catholic Charities Boston has helped her feed her family nutritious meals when money is tight, particularly around the holidays. 

“I visit the Yawkey Pantry here and there,” she said. “Every year, I get a turkey for Thanksgiving, and the meal is just amazing.” 

Leslie said one year, she won Catholic Charities Boston’s Thanksgiving raffle and was able to take home a whole basket of holiday treats for her family: a memory she said they’ll remember forever. 

“With the cost of living today, every little bit helps us a lot,” she said. “It really makes a difference.”  

To learn more about how you can support Catholic Charities Boston’s clients in need, visit our Ways to Give page.