Carried To Full Term

Judgment Free

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There’s never a day that goes by without learning something new from the mothers in our program. Many of the women come from various backgrounds and cultures. One of our mothers is a recent college graduate with a degree in computer science. She works as a nursing assistant. She decided to become a nursing assistant after she was told that she should be ashamed of being pregnant and unmarried and no one would hire her.

From that point on, she started hiding the pregnancy to minimize further judgments, shame, and criticisms. She believed the words that were spoken to her and accepted that she should be ashamed. Sometimes, traditions and opinions in cultures different from ours can be bothersome and difficult to change. Our program is a judgment-free space. Our staff and volunteers have loved this mom simply because we’ve had the opportunity to have her in our lives.

We’ve encouraged her to eat well, and to own her pregnancy. We continue to share that her baby is a gift. This may not be where she or her friends envisioned her life, but it is where she is and we’re happy to have her in our lives. She has attended parenting classes and other classes offered at the house to prepare for the arrival of her baby. Her face lights up when she feels movement. We’ve encouraged her to test the job market by submitting her computer science resume, she’s afraid of being judged and rejected. We continue to build up her confidence muscle.

Today, we were pleasantly surprised to see her venturing out into the community fully embracing her growing belly. We are so thankful to our volunteers and staff who love all the families unconditionally and without judgment.

We invite you to join us in loving our moms to accept where they are, as they work to change their futures. If you’d like to become a financial contributor. you can do so by becoming a monthly partner today. Another way to help is by sharing this story with someone who can help her secure a computer science/IT position. She’s an ambitious young woman, with a cheerful spirit. She’s currently working two jobs, has her car, loves people and is wide open to learning new things.

We are beyond thankful for each opportunity to love the women and their babies who come to us for help. If you are a business owner willing to extend an opportunity to this young woman, you will not regret your decision to extend a life-changing opportunity.

If At First You Don’t Succeed, Don’t Quit!

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At fifteen, most kids are excited about being able to explore their independence by meeting a coveted milestone, passing the DMV learner’s permit test. Since all the mothers in our program are over eighteen years old, obtaining a license usually wasn’t a goal on their life’s list.

One of our mom’s recently accomplished a huge milestone-she got her learner’s permit!  This was a big success for her.  It took this mom 5 tries to pass the test to get her learner’s permit. She demonstrated her persistence, failure was not an option.  This is a photo of manual she used to study, the pages are worn and tattered pages.

The learner’s permit test can be a challenge for anyone.  But for someone whose first language is not English, the test can be even more challenging.  She was not to be deterred.  She knew that the ability to drive would open up more opportunities for her and her daughter.  She is now completing the behind the wheel requirement and is on her way to meeting her goal of becoming a licensed driver.  

Board Opportunity

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The Board supports the work of Carried To Full Term and provides mission-based leadership, strategic governance, and financial sustainability support. Specific Board Member responsibilities include:

Leadership, Governance, and Oversight

The primary role and responsibilities of Carried To Full Term’s board include, but are not limited to:

  • Actively participate and be an advocate of our mission and purpose. Board members must clearly define and articulate Carried To Full Term’s mission, accomplishments and goals.
  • Act as an ambassador for the organization.
  • Serve on committees, Perform responsibilities through regular meetings and take on special assignments.
  • Partner with the Executive Director and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out.
  • Explore and determine beneficial financial resources for the purpose of fulfilling our mission
  • Ensure annual budget and other financial decisions are made on a timely basis.
  • Adhere to boundaries set and in accordance with the organization’s Bylaws and Operating agreement. Refrain from engaging in the day to day operations of the organization and do not exchange phone numbers with residents.
  • Maintain a professional and amicable relationship with the staff.
  • Actively participate in meetings. Be well-prepared and ready to engage in thoughtful dialogue.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

  • Professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector.
  • A commitment to and understanding of Carried To Full Term’s beneficiaries, preferably based on experience.
  • Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals.

Next Steps

Click here to complete an application Carried To Full Term’s board members are elected by the full board of directors for a two-year term, but can also be appointed throughout the year. Interested candidates must complete an application. The completed application and/or nominated candidates can be sent to carriedtofullterm@gmail.com. All applicants will be vetted by our board members. Board members serve without pay

Boxes of Basics

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Boxes of Basics is a fairly new nonprofit organization that provides personalized seasonal wardrobes for children in need. Sarah shares that her nonprofit has supplied over 150 boxes to local kids. Boxes of Basics has partnered with Carried To Full Term by providing the mothers with volunteering opportunities.