By Becky Heard and Heather Jeppeson

Faith officially works two jobs. She takes care of the elderly and is employed by a fast-food restaurant. Few realize she has a third job as the single mother of a preschooler.

Her income barely supports basic expenses like rent, utilities and food. Quite simply, she cannot afford day care and would be unable to support her little one without the temporary gifts of the Yolo Crisis Nursery.

Domestic violence made her a single mother, but for this resilient woman, it also ensured her persistent search for help, which she discovered.

For now.

The Yolo Crisis Nursery offers emergency, short-term respite for families of children ages 0-5 in crisis. Yet the short-term nature of the nursery’s services, made necessary by its licensure and mission, make it a bridge solution for families with ongoing challenges.

Without a shift in full-scale resources, Faith will, once again, be absent a solution.

As it stands, Faith and her young son ride the bus each day to the nursery. It’s a quick goodbye before she heads off to work because the public transportation cannot be delayed. Nursery staff members wait at the bus stop, eager to ease the departure. Once the tears have ceased, they continue their advocacy on behalf of this tiny, vulnerable family.

This story doesn’t yet have a happy ending because this family is among our newest clients, and we know not all who seek services have ideal results. But we are hopeful … and grateful for the work of the staff and Faith, as they come together, exemplifying the very essence of her name.

The simple belief that love and determination will make it all work out in the end has led to countless success stories at the Yolo Crisis Nursery.

We ask you, our community, to support the ongoing efforts of the nursery. It is only through your devotion that families in need will survive.

If you’d like to be a part of this incredible resource, please contact Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery at [email protected]. If you need nursery services, call (530) 758-6680.

— Becky Heard and Heather Jeppeson are co-presidents of Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery. Their column is published monthly.

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