I can’t stop smiling as I reflect on how beautifully the 2024 Teenage Mom Shower came together last night. This project has been close to my heart for three years, evolving from a simple idea into something truly meaningful and transformative.
It all started three years ago when my husband and I filled our cars with donated baby and mother clothing, delivering them to LifeHaven. We felt so fulfilled knowing we could help in even a small way. By last year, I knew I wanted to do more. I invited six teenage mothers, their babies, and LifeHaven staff to a special gathering at my boutique. Together with friends like Kathy and Etienne, we served delicious food, gave out thoughtfully curated gift baskets, and offered free threading services to these amazing moms. With help from generous community donations, the event became a moment of love and connection.
This year, life was busier than ever with work and community leadership commitments. I assumed my mom Bible study group at my children’s school would enthusiastically contribute to this year’s project. But as October turned to November, the responses were minimal, and just a week before the event, I had received only a handful of donations. I felt disheartened but shared my feelings with my husband. His advice was simple: "Do the best with what you have and start shopping."
Tuesday evening, I took my kids to HomeGoods to shop for the moms’ gifts. We had fun until I reached the checkout line and realized I’d left my bank cards at home. Embarrassed, I told the cashier I’d return soon, but as I walked away, a woman approached me and offered to pay. I tried to decline, explaining it was a large purchase for a service project, but she insisted. As we walked to our cars, she shared her story. She had recently lost both her parents and was feeling drained. She rarely shopped in Roseville, but something drew her there that day. Her parting words were unforgettable: "I don’t even know how I’m going to get home." Her kindness brought me to tears, and I realized in that moment how beautifully the universe works when we lead with faith and purpose.
The week leading up to the event was filled with unexpected blessings. Friends contributed thoughtful items like warm hats, hand creams, chocolates, and notebooks. My 7-year-old daughter added her own special touch by making handmade bracelets for the moms. My friend Jacque offered balloons for decoration, and Kathy and Craig helped transport everything to the shelter when my car couldn’t hold it all.
On the day of the event, November 18th, we arrived at LifeHaven with food, gifts, and hearts full of love. We spent the evening with three mothers and their babies, while others received their gifts later. Together with friends Erin, Megan, and Stephanie, we prayed, shared stories, and celebrated the strength of these teenage mothers. The staff expressed their gratitude, and the mothers were overjoyed by the thoughtful gifts.
As I left, a question lingered in my heart: How can we support these young mothers beyond this one evening? This project reminded me that serving others isn’t just about one-time gestures but about finding ways to walk alongside people in their journeys.
To everyone who contributed to this year’s Mom Shower—whether through donations, prayers, or kind words—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Together, we created a moment of love, hope, and connection that I’ll cherish forever.
Here’s to serving deeper and wider, with open hands and an open heart. ❤️
Jeena Gurung Vomhof
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