Life is different now. 

A medical crisis can turn your world upside down.  

One minute your life is filled with plans and dreams. The next, they’re wiped away without warning. 

That’s what happened to Jodie* when her boyfriend, Tim, the father of their infant daughter, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Aggressive surgery and treatments left Tim unable to work or care for himself.  And to complicate things even more, Jodie realized she was pregnant again.   

Tim needed intensive rehab and care that Jodie couldn’t provide. He moved in with his mother, but that left Jodie with a part-time job that didn’t pay the rent. She was faced with the reality that she was simply not able to care for both a six-month-old infant and another baby by herself.   

Thankfully, a pregnancy center in Janesville referred her to The Elizabeth House.  

“The truth is I wasn’t ready to handle all this. I had a lot to learn about just managing life,” remembered Jodie.  “At The Elizabeth House, I learned how to juggle a job, parenting, and household duties. I learned new ways to be a mom—a better mom. And the staff pushed me to achieve more than I thought I could.”  

The women we see in our maternity home often feel beaten down by life. They aren’t sure what they can achieve, and they may not have anyone in their life to build them up and tell them they’re worthy and valued. One of our top goals for each woman we serve is that she knows she is created in the image of God for good things! We want her to experience a reflection of herself through the eyes of Jesus.  

Jodie felt seen and valued by The Elizabeth House staff and motivated to do her best for herself and her children. Living with other moms in similar circumstances was also a blessing and her friendships with fellow residents continue today.  “I found support in the friendships I made,” said Jodie. “I realized I wasn’t the only one in a difficult situation.”   

Life is different for Jodie now. She has two beautiful baby girls. She has a job that allows her to bring her baby to work. She has an apartment she can afford.  

“Because of The Elizabeth House, I had the support to help me buckle down, get focused, and do what I needed to do,” said Jodie. “I am so grateful.” 

*names changed.