Julie's Story
Dear Youville Supporter,
Because of supporters like you, young mothers like me are able to stay in school, care for our babies, and build futures we once thought were out of reach.
I’m so grateful to share my story with you this Mother’s Day—because the support you give to Youville Centre truly changes lives for two generations at once.
When I found out I was pregnant at 17, I was already six months along. Around the same time, I was facing housing instability. I didn’t know how I was going to continue school, and I wasn’t sure what the future would look like for me or my daughter.
I didn’t think staying in school was possible anymore. Then I learned about Youville.
Before I tell you what that meant for us, I want to ask you something important:
Will you make a special Mother’s Day gift to Youville Centre today to help another young mom continue her education while caring for her baby?
Your support makes it possible for young mothers to finish high school, receive parenting support, access practical resources, and know their children are safe and thriving in nurturing childcare close by.
For me, the biggest turning point was knowing my daughter could be cared for onsite while I stayed in school.
Being able to breastfeed during the day and still attend classes made everything possible.
Without a car, having childcare, meals, health supports, and community all in one place removed barriers I didn’t know how I would overcome otherwise.
“Having everything in one place made it possible for me to keep going. As young moms, many of us are commuting by bus or navigating financial barriers, so having childcare, meals, health supports, and school all together in one space is truly a lifesaver. Youville isn’t just a school or a daycare—it’s a community where everything is thoughtfully designed to help young mothers succeed.”
Youville also helped in so many practical ways. I could access breakfast and lunches, the food bank, clothing donations, and health services. These supports meant I could focus on finishing school and caring for my daughter instead of worrying about how we would get through each day.
Just as important was the sense of belonging I found there.
As a young mother, I often felt judged in public spaces.
“At Youville, I met other young moms who understood what I was going through.”
Many of those friendships are still part of my life today.
With support from Youville—and caring people like you—I finished high school and continued my education in Community and Justice Services. I later completed an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a law major and psychology minor. Today, I work supporting victims within the justice system.
This Mother’s Day, your gift can help another young mother stay in school just as I did.
And my daughter’s future is bright too.
She has consistently been the top English student in her class and is already taking advanced science. She’s beginning college at just 16 years old and hopes to pursue a career in nursing.
When I look at where we are today, I often think about how different things could have been without Youville—and without supporters like you.
As I shared when reflecting on my experience:
“The money is really going into the right supports and programs to help young moms in every practical way possible. Everything is brought together in one place so we can stay in school while caring for our babies—it truly changes what feels possible for families like mine.”
Please consider making a special Mother’s Day donation to Youville Centre today.
Your kindness gives young families stability, opportunity, and hope—at the exact moment they need it most.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Julie
Youville Centre former client and proud mom
P.S. This Mother’s Day, your support will help another young mother finish high school and build a brighter future for herself and her child—just as you helped me do. Every gift makes a difference for two generations.
LETTER – Client Story – 2026 Mother’s Day May Campaign
More information about tax receipts can be found on this page: https://www.youvillecentre.org/ways-to-give/make-a-financial-contribution/
