Standing with Kaela Through Loss

At New Mercies, we want to be there for families on their journey to stability, not just for a week-long hosting. It often takes more than a quick fix to get through the tough situations each parent faces. Our goal is to connect parents to the support they need for as long as they need it. That might be through hosting their children, providing resources, or staying in touch. We want to make sure they know they always have a community behind them, ready to help. Recently, one of our volunteers was able to be this source of community for a mother over the course of 3 years — and eventually through a devastating loss.

Our goal is to connect parents to the support they need for as long as they need it. That might be through hosting their children, providing resources, or staying in touch.

Elizabeth, one of our Family Coaches, first met Kaela* when she was pregnant and trying to find safety after a dangerous home situation. She reached out to New Mercies, and we were able to host her two daughters for a week while she figured out her next steps. After that initial contact, Elizabeth didn’t hear from Kaela for over a year. When Kaela reached out again, she was pregnant with her fifth child, an unexpected pregnancy. Facing an uncertain future with the baby’s father, who was awaiting a court hearing, Kaela was unsure about what to do. Elizabeth listened and offered guidance, helping her process the overwhelming circumstances.

When Kaela went into labor early, baby Roman* was born at just 30 weeks, weighing only a couple of pounds. Knowing Roman would need to remain in the NICU for several months, Kaela turned to New Mercies once more for help. Staff coordinated hostings for Kaela’s other children, so Kaela could focus on taking care of little Roman. New Mercies’ support network ensured that Kaela had the practical support she needed, and Elizabeth remained a steady source of encouragement, helping Kaela find rides to the hospital whenever possible.

New Mercies’ support network ensured that Kaela had the practical support she needed, and Elizabeth remained a steady source of encouragement, helping Kaela find rides to the hospital whenever possible.

When Roman finally came home, it seemed things were stabilizing. Kaela was adjusting to life with her five children, managing on her own as the baby’s father was now out of the picture. Elizabeth continued to check in and support her, knowing that Kaela, like many moms New Mercies serves, had few others to lean on. The two even reconnected at a birthday party for another family involved with the ministry. The family was in love with the newest addition.

But a week later, Kaela called Elizabeth with tragic news — Roman had passed away suddenly. The whole family was devastated by the sudden loss of a son and brother. Throughout the aftermath, Elizabeth remained present, bringing meals, connecting Kaela and her children with grief support through Erin’s House, and attending Roman’s funeral. She also involved Kaela’s twelve-year-old son in youth group, offering him a space to heal. Elizabeth has continued to visit the family, providing encouragement to Kaela, who believes in the Lord. Despite her grief, Kaela remains hopeful, trusting that Roman is safe in heaven with Jesus.

Throughout the aftermath, Elizabeth remained present, bringing meals, connecting Kaela and her children with grief support through Erin’s House, and attending Roman’s funeral.

Elizabeth’s unwavering support for Kaela through some of her darkest moments is a powerful reminder of New Mercies’ commitment to building lasting, meaningful connections with the mothers we serve. Even when the pain is unimaginable, like losing a child, Elizabeth has been there—offering comfort, practical help, and a steady hand to hold. Her bond with Kaela isn’t just a program; it’s a lifeline, one built on years of trust. As Elizabeth puts it, “Moms don’t have support; in times of trouble, they’re reaching out to the only stable person in their lives.”

*Names changed to protect privacy.