At Youville Centre, Mother’s Day is a very special occasion — so much so that we celebrate it all month long; for all of May 2025!
What does Mother's Day mean to you?
As a mom, what Chloe wants most in this world is for her child to feel safe, secure, and loved. Chloe’s journey at Youville Centre allowed her to provide opportunities for her son to grow, thrive, and learn; and he is growing up to become a young man with a bright future ahead of him.
Chloe didn’t do this alone — help from donors like you made it possible.
When you choose to make a donation to Youville Centre, your contribution is making it possible for young moms like Chloe to succeed in ways they never thought possible. The impact of your gift doesn’t stop there; you are also making a healthy, bright future possible for the children of Youville’s young moms — children like Chloe’s son Ryan.
“It takes a village to raise a child” is not just a saying at Youville Centre — it’s a reality. You are part of our village, and we could not continue to provide opportunities for improved mental health, education, and child development for the moms and children at Youville Centre without your help.
Here is Chloe’s Story — please consider giving a gift so that young moms and children at Youville Centre can continue to benefit from the same opportunities she and her son were able to access.
Chloe's Story
You know the saying: “it takes a village to raise a child”? Well, 15 years ago Youville Centre was my village.
And that’s thanks to you. Because of your support, I never gave up. You helped me find the strength to believe in myself and build a better future.
I think back to that day in February 2009 when I first walked through the doors at Youville, holding my 5-month-old son, Ryan. I was just 17. I was terrified, lost and alone. I didn’t know what to expect, or even what I wanted for my life.
I thought coming to Youville would just be the first step toward finishing my high school diploma – but it turned out to be so much more than I could have ever imagined.
Before I share firsthand how your generosity is changing the lives of young moms, their babies, and our entire community – I want to ask you something…
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, will you make a special gift to Youville Centre today?
Your gift of $25, $50, or even $100 will help a young mom complete her high school education and access the vital support she needs – from childcare to mental health and parenting resources – you’ll give her the tools she needs to build a brighter future for herself and her child.
My parents divorced when I was 12, and that’s when things started to get really hard for me. As a teenager, I got into a lot of trouble. I was struggling with my mental health and dealing with substance use issues. I wasn’t doing well in school. I barely went. I had no direction in life, no vision for my future – I wasn’t even thinking about any of it.
And then I was 16 years old when I found out I was pregnant with my son Ryan.
I was lucky to have a strong support system, including my mom, sister, and cousin – so many incredible women who were there for me.
I’d tried other ways to finish high school, but nothing seemed to work. I felt frustrated and hopeless. I wanted this – I knew I needed this – but I just couldn’t figure out how to make it happen. That’s when I decided to give Youville Centre a chance…
I’m sharing my story with you today because Youville changed my life.
And I want to thank you for being part of that. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support – without donors like you who make Youville possible.
Youville was everything we needed – all under one roof. Every morning I’d walk in and feel instantly welcomed. The staff always had big smiles, and I just knew things were going to be okay. It was a safe place – a place where we could grow, not just as students, but as a family.
Ryan was so well-loved by the Child Development Program staff. It meant everything to have these people – who started as strangers – take us in, love my child, and make sure he was safe and supported when I couldn’t be with him. I honestly don’t know if I could have raised him the way I did without that foundation we built at Youville.
Having access to a counsellor at Youville meant I always had someone to turn to when I needed support. I never had to go through anything alone. And even if my designated counsellor wasn’t available, there was always someone there – ready to listen, without judgment, and to support me in whatever way they could.
The teachers at Youville were our cheerleaders. I didn’t have much confidence after a rough time in regular high school, but they believed in me. I still remember one teacher encouraging me to take Grade 12 university-level calculus – I thought he was joking, but I ended up getting a 90%! When a few of us became interested in nursing, they even organized a special dissection day just for us. They always went above and beyond to give us the same opportunities as any other school.
I met my best friend Nicole at Youville. She was my lifeline. Our friendship has remained strong, and she’s still a big part of my life today. Ryan and her son remain close friends. The lifelong friendships I made at Youville supported me then, and continue to be a source of strength in my life.
I graduated from Youville in June 2010, and thanks to the scholarship program, I received grants and bursaries that helped me financially through college. After moving out of my mom’s house, this support was a game-changer, and helped me afford essential tools, like a laptop and textbooks, that were key to my success. I’m excited for the day Ryan can apply for the second-generation bursary in a couple of years.
Today, I’m 33 years old, married to my loving husband, and a proud mom to my two boys – Ryan, who’s now 16, and Keegan, who’s 8. Since graduating with honours from Algonquin College’s Practical Nursing program in 2012, I’ve built a successful career as a registered practical nurse at The Royal. In 2021, I took on a new role in the long-term care program at The Royal, where I’m the wound care nurse for our residents.
Statistically, as an adolescent mother, I shouldn’t have succeeded. But thanks to Youville and caring donors like you, I did…
Today, I’m writing to show you just how impactful your generosity is.
Your gift to Youville Centre is transforming lives by empowering not just one person, but two generations to build brighter futures.
Your generous Mother’s Day gift today will help countless young moms and their children break the cycle and create lasting opportunities for their families.
Ryan wants to get into the trades, either carpentry or general contracting, and is attending a high school to build on those skills. What always amazes me is how determined and focused he’s been, always setting clear, achievable goals. I think watching me pursue my own goals has influenced him to be so driven.
In 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to return to Youville and speak at the graduation ceremony. It felt like a full-circle moment. I remember hearing the success stories of the women who shared their journeys when I was still at Youville – mothers who had gone on to achieve amazing things. Their stories were so inspiring to me back then, and it was wonderful to return nine years later in a position to be a mentor myself.
If Youville didn’t exist, I honestly can’t imagine where my life would be today.
I’m not sure I would have found the confidence to believe in myself or to finish high school and go on to college. The staff encouraged me every step of the way, helping me realize that I was capable of achieving these goals. They also connected me to resources I never knew were available.
Please give a special Mother’s Day donation to Youville Centre today. Your generosity will bring hope, healing and opportunity to young mothers facing the same challenges I once did.
With gratitude,
Chloe,
Youville Centre Class of 2010 Graduate
P.S. Please give a special Mother’s Day donation to Youville Centre today to help young moms like I was, to complete their high school education and receive the mental health and parenting support they need to reach their full potential in life.
P.P.S. With a potential Canada Post strike in May, I encourage you to make your gift as soon as possible. You can give online, phone in your donation, or mail your cheque right away to ensure your support reaches us without delay. Thank you!
Thank you to Chloe for sharing her story about the impact Youville Centre had on her life - we are grateful!
2025 May Mother's Day Giving - Canada Helps Campaign
