MADISON, Wisconsin – May 2, 2016 –“That time in my life was very confusing. I had recently dropped out of college due to stress, anxiety and depression,” shared Amanda. “And then I found out I was pregnant…I just didn’t know what to do.”
Amanda and her boyfriend, Brandon, (names changed) came to Care Net feeling nervous, scared and “a little lost.” They were greeted by “open arms and smiling faces.”
While at Care Net, Amanda found out about The Elizabeth House and the opportunity to live in this safe and nurturing environment where she would be free to pursue her goals and learn more about taking care of her daughter.
While at The Elizabeth House, with her basic needs met, Amanda focused on preparing for her future. She and Brandon participated in Care Net’s Best Beginnings classes to learn how to be the best parents they could be.
“There were so many things… I had no idea where to begin. The Elizabeth House and Care Net staff were there to help me through everything. Their guidance was so wonderful.”
Brandon and Amanda both worked on their job skills and found full-time work on good career paths.
Brandon and Amanda have seen the value of Christian marriage and they recently celebrated their engagement at Care Net, as the place they recognized as important in their spiritual and relational journey! Brandon shared, “I proposed to Amanda at Care Net because the staff was so amazing. They were there for that part of our life and welcomed us like we were their own.”
Amanda and Brandon are making a commitment to spend their life together in marriage and create a forever family for their daughter. They have become equipped and confident parents committed to one another. God and the people of God are bringing about a difference in this family for generations!
The Elizabeth House is Care Net’s nine to twelve month goal-oriented residential maternity and parenting program designed to help pregnant women achieve stability and be prepared to care for themselves and their children. For over ten years, The Elizabeth House has provided a culture of help, hope, and healing.
The Elizabeth House provides food, clothing and shelter for pregnant homeless women who are in desperate need of a safe living environment and more, all free of charge. The Elizabeth House helps pregnant single mothers ages 18-26 and their children become emotionally healthy, self-sufficient members of the community, while building life skills that will enable them to secure employment, housing, manage money and foster sound decision making. The Elizabeth House staff and volunteers share the love and hope of Jesus Christ, model forgiveness and healthy relationships and teach women how to pray.
The body of Christ in the greater Madison area makes an ongoing difference to bring help, hope and ongoing support for vulnerable moms, dads, and babies.
To all who have been a part of Amanda and Brandon’s story, Amanda says gratefully, “Thank you for helping us become the family we are today.”