You helped this young single mom find relief for her family.

Carena’s life was already stressful enough as a single mother of two young children, a 3-year-old boy and a 2-year-old girl.

Her son has autism, which made parenting even more challenging. Then she learned that their musty, moldy old apartment was contaminated with lead, and that her son had a potentially serious case of lead poisoning.

Carena immediately picked up her kids and packed up her stuff. She couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
Unfortunately, she had no place to go. And a limited income left her with few options.

So she came to MorningStar Mission for help.

Carena knew she’d find help here because of some family history — her mother had stayed with us when young Carena was placed in foster care.

“My parents were going through a divorce at the time,” Carena says. “My dad had done something, and DCFS (child and family services) didn’t think my mom was keeping us safe.”

I don’t know what would have happened without MorningStar.

Carena didn’t want to say much more about that. But knowing that her mom got help at MorningStar made it easier for Carena to know where to turn.

At MorningStar, Carena and her kids are living in the Women & Family Center, which provides shelter, food, clothing, case management, classes and support groups, while fostering a safe, productive environment. They also have provided diapers and wipes for her children — a huge relief for Carena’s tight budget.

Carena’s case manager is also helping her find financial assistance, including the possibility of disability income for her autistic son.

Before MorningStar, Carena’s son often repeatedly banged his head against the wall or the floor — not uncommon for autistic kids. But in their time at the Mission, he has not banged his head even once.

Carena chalks that up to the peaceful environment here … and her own peace of mind.

“Before we were here, I was under a lot of stress, and I think my son could sense that,” she says. “But now that he sees I’m not under as much stress, he’s also not stressed.

“That makes me really happy because I was really concerned when I’d see him bang his head, even when I picked him up. He’s not doing that anymore.”

MorningStar has also helped to get her son placed in a day care facility that specializes in working with kids who have autism.

Carena is preparing for next steps, which include returning to aesthetician school to get her degree. Once she has steady work again, she’ll start looking for her own place.

In the meantime, she’s grateful for the help she’s found at the Mission … and for supporters like you who make it possible.

“I don’t know what would have happened without MorningStar,” Carena says. “I’m just thankful I had this place to go to.”

Thank you for your love and compassion for young single moms like Carena!