As other organizations close their doors during the summer months, Grace's Table remains open. Already we've been busy working with our teen mamas as they navigate changing schedules and limited resources.  

Teen Mamas like Daisy.  

When she first walked through our doors a year ago, Daisy was shy, quiet, and mainly kept to herself. Just 17 years old and pregnant with her first kiddo, she was scared and unsure of her next steps.

But despite struggles with transportation and limited support at home, she kept showing up. Even though she still hadn't found her voice, week after week, she would come to bible study to learn about Jesus, eat a warm meal, and spend time with other teen mamas.   

As each week passed, Daisy became more comfortable at Grace's Table. She began to share little details with the Bible study group, like her ups and downs of the past week and which tv shows she was watching. As she watched the other teen mamas with their kiddos and her own baby grow within her, Daisy became more excited to meet her little one and be a mama.  

Then the day finally came- with a text to her family advocate and a post in the Facebook group, Daisy let us know that her little one was on his way! He arrived safely via c-section, and both baby and mama did well. Recovering from a c-section is a big deal, so we knew we wouldn't see Daisy for a while. But to our surprise, just one week later, she knocked on the door with her new baby sleeping soundly in his car seat.  

I asked her how she was doing and why she returned so soon. Daisy answered, "Because I really wanted to come." 

After her son was born, Daisy continued to regularly attend bible study. As she got to know our staff and the other mamas, she finally found her voice.

She would chat with mamas during dinner about parenting and school. During bible study, she would ask questions and open up about what was going on in her life.  

A few months ago, Daisy walked through the front door, and the first thing she said was, "I'm pregnant." 

But this time was different. Where she had once felt scared and alone, Daisy now had friends and a support system that would stay by her side during pregnancy. Before, she had been timid and quiet. Now, she openly shared her feelings and frustrations about her relationships, school, and finding a place to live. It wouldn't be easy, and Daisy felt the pressure as she thought about everything happening in her life.  

It all seemed to be building, and one night, she finally shared, "This is so embarrassing- but I've been really wanting ramen the last few weeks, and we haven't been able to get any. It just makes me sad and angry." 

The other mamas echoed their sympathy- they’d been there before. After everyone had shared their ups and downs, they began reading the evening's bible story.

One day, Jesus is talking to a crowd of 5,000 people, and they are getting HUNGRY. But when they looked around, the only food they could find was five loaves of bread and two fish. That didn't faze Jesus- he blessed the food and began passing it out to the people. Miraculously, everyone ate their fill at the end, and 12 whole baskets of food were left over!  

As Daisy and the other teen mamas chatted about the evening's bible story, a knock suddenly came at the door. As the bible study leader opened the door, everyone let out a collective gasp.

There, sitting on the front porch, were 12 perfect packages of ramen noodles. 

Daisy was so surprised that she couldn't stop laughing. "I can't believe it! How did this happen?"  

One of the other mamas shrugged and replied, "I saw how much you needed those, so I asked my friend to buy some for you. I've been there, and I know how hard it is not to have the things you need." 

At that moment, Daisy had not only what she needed but an abundance beyond what she could have imagined. 

This is the same abundance you provide when you support teen mamas and their families. Your generosity ensures these young women have access to critical resources like life-skills classes, counseling, and mentorship.  

Right now, you can change lives like Daisy's by participating in our annual Week of Giving. There are only a few days left, so head to www.gracestable.com/havefundogood and donate today!