The Nonprofit That Transformed My Life Is Shutting Down, and I’m Devastated

self insemination kit

No one anticipates finding themselves homeless and expecting a child. It is an unfortunate circumstance that no one wishes upon themselves or their family. Yet there I was, just a week after an emergency C-section, pleading with the local court to convince my landlord to reconsider my eviction. Our shared roommate had relapsed and failed to pay his portion of the rent, and despite my efforts to cover it shortly after, the landlord made the decision to sell the property. At that time, I was unaware of my rights and felt both trapped and frightened.

Sitting on my couch, recovering from surgery, I was emotionally numb, distracted only by the little miracle in the Pack ‘n Play beside me. The father of my child entered the room, expressing despair about our situation. “Maybe we should move in with your parents?” he suggested, not realizing that my parents would not allow him to stay. This would mean separating our family, and even then, my daughter and I might still have to seek refuge in a homeless shelter.

It was during this dark period that I was referred by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to Courage 360 (previously known as Washington Women’s Employment) in Tacoma to participate in their ReachPLUS job training course. This nonprofit organization was a beacon of hope for individuals like me, who found themselves in dire situations, equipping us with the skills and self-esteem necessary to rise above our challenges. The instructors were compassionate and dedicated, offering far more than just education; they instilled a sense of self-love and encouraged us to cast aside negative self-perceptions.

My classmates, many of whom were mothers facing similar struggles, received clothing and sometimes food assistance. Courage 360 also facilitated job placements through their WorkFirst program, which ultimately led me to a position aligned with my passion. Despite the skepticism from family and caseworkers, who urged me to abandon my aspirations, Courage 360 consistently supported my drive to succeed.

Reflecting on that time, I shudder at the thought of how close I was to surrendering to despair. In moments of weakness, I contemplated giving up, but I soon realized that all I needed was someone to believe in me. Courage 360 provided that encouragement, and as a result, my life has transformed dramatically over the past year. I now enjoy a stable and fulfilling career, secure housing, and the presence of loved ones.

However, I was heartbroken to learn this week that Courage 360 has closed its doors. It feels profoundly unjust that I have thrived thanks to their support while they struggled to maintain funding. They have empowered countless young mothers to rewrite their narratives. I find it infuriating that institutions like a local pet rescue, which garners massive community support and attention, can thrive, while a nonprofit that saved lives like mine could not.

The work done by Courage 360 was invaluable, and I wish I could have contributed to its survival. We need more organizations dedicated to assisting individuals who often go unnoticed, and they require our support to continue their essential work. Today, I mourn the loss of this nonprofit that significantly impacted my life and the many others that face similar challenges.

It is crucial to recognize that these organizations make a difference, even when their survival is uncertain. They provide hope and pathways to success for those in need. For anyone seeking resources related to pregnancy and home insemination, I recommend visiting WHO’s page on pregnancy for detailed information. For those considering home insemination, Make A Mom offers an innovative, reusable option, and you can learn more about their process here. If you’re interested in a home insemination kit, check out the BabyMaker kit, which is a reliable choice for many.

In summary, the closure of Courage 360 is a significant loss, not only for me but for countless others who rely on such support. It is a reminder of the ongoing need for nonprofits that uplift struggling families, and it highlights the importance of community involvement and resources in making a difference.