‘We are like a family:’ Young Mothers Find Strength and Community at Brigid’s Crossing

From the corner of her eye, Janelle watches her twin daughters babble in their high chairs as she prepares dinner at Brigid’s Crossing, Catholic Charities Boston’s shelter for young mothers in Merrimack Valley. Beside her, Kesha, a fellow resident, stir-fries steak and vegetables for herself and her son, filling the kitchen with the savory smells of a home-cooked meal. Others chat and unwind in the common room as their children color and play. 

While Brigid’s Crossing is only a temporary home for these young mothers, the residents say, in many ways, they feel they’ve formed a makeshift family with one another and with the staff. 

“We all teach each other something,” said Kesha, 20, who moved to Brigid’s Crossing with her two-year-old son last spring. “The kids all have a bond too. It makes everyone more comfortable to know we are not alone and we’re not behind.” 

The team at Brigid’s Crossing helps young parents to learn the value of responsibility and independence, providing support with securing daycare and education, life skills training, medical resources, mental health care, and housing search assistance. Young parents are referred to the program through the Departments of Transitional Assistance and Children and Families. 

Each of the six residents living at Brigid’s Crossing has a different story to share. Some are fleeing unstable family situations and unsafe living conditions, while others lost their housing altogether. What the residents have in common, however, is a fierce commitment to protecting and supporting their children.  

“I want to do the best I can for my girls,” said Janelle. “I know they will grow up watching me.” 

From financial literacy classes taught by Women’s Money Matters, to cooking and nutrition courses, group parenting sessions, and ongoing case management, Janelle said she has deepened her independence and determination to become the best version of herself. 

“I’ve learned how important it is to maintain a strong, positive mindset,” she said. “The little mini accomplishments keep me going. Anything positive that comes my way keeps me going.” 

Janelle is currently working part-time as a cashier to make some extra money while she prepares to begin a medical assistant training this winter. Janelle said her goal is to work in the healthcare field and help people. She is also exploring the possibility of getting her cosmetology license. 

“I want to develop as many skills and get as many certifications as I can so that I can do multiple things one day,” she said. “I have to remind myself I’m not going to wake up and suddenly everything is perfect. It takes time.”   

Pearl, a 20-year-old resident who moved in in August, said that patience – for both her child and for herself – has been one of the greatest lessons she’s gained at Brigid’s Crossing through the weekly group sessions and her one-on-one meetings with Assistant Program Director Rose Davis. 

“My son has some sensory issues and throws a lot of tantrums, and I used to really struggle knowing how to help him,” she said. “Being here, I’ve learned how to manage my own emotions and have patience.” 

Pearl said she’s even learned how to get her son – who she described as a born picky eater – to appreciate new types of food through having him share meals with the other kids. 

“Sometimes, we all pitch in on groceries and cook together and have all the kids eat together,” added Kesha. “We have a good routine where we bathe them and then put them all to bed. I look at the other kids like my nieces and nephews.” 

Still, Kesha said she dreams of having a place to call her own. In the meantime, as she works with staff to find permanent housing, she said she is doing everything she can to become self-sufficient, including going back to school to study Early Education and Care. Like all of the mothers, Kesha said her greatest motivation is her child.  

“I want to do everything I can for my son,” she said. “He brings me so much happiness every day, and I just love to watch him grow.” 

*In respect of the sensitivity of real-life experiences shared within the story, some residents’ names have been changed to protect their privacy.

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