Laura came to us in her fifth month of pregnancy. She had been raped; she did not tell anyone. She was conflicted as to what course to take with this pregnancy. Divorced, with children being raised by relatives in Mexico, Laura realized that caring for another baby would be very difficult. 

During her pregnancy, Laura stopped by MOMS almost daily to talk, rest and relieve the stress of hiding the pregnancy. Rosa, one of our community healthcare workers, was her mentor and support. Indicating adoption as an option, Rosa gave Laura information about a local adoption agency. Laura followed through and picked a family to adopt her baby.

This was not an easy decision for Laura. There were many evenings when though Rosa's day was over, she would sit with Laura, help her through difficult times, provide the support she needed. The adoptive family recently wrote to MOMS commenting on Rosa's commitment going "above and beyond the call of duty to help Laura sort out and deal with all the ramifications of her situation." 

Realizing that she might be able to help other women, Laura is now in training to become a volunteer.