When Someone Stays
Single mom Naomi* had faced more than most her age. She was working to build stability, navigating housing challenges, and caring for her young child while trying to create a different life than the one behind her. There were moments of progress, but also moments that felt overwhelming.
In the middle of it all, she needed someone to walk with her spiritually. That’s when Sue stepped in as a Rooted Together mentor.
A Faithful Presence
Sue did not come with a plan to fix everything. She came with something far more powerful: a willingness to stay. Their first meeting was simple. Sitting together at a Dunkin’ Donuts, Sue listened as Naomi shared her story. It was complicated and heavy, filled with experiences that had shaped how she saw the world. Sue did not rush past those details. She leaned into them, and she kept showing up.
Sue, a retired pastor who still carries a deep calling to serve, understood that relationships like this take time. They require patience, grace, and a steady kind of love. Week after week, she met with Naomi, listening, encouraging, and reminding her that she was not alone.
There were hard moments: Conversations about unsafe housing. Times of discouragement when circumstances felt like they were closing in. Even situations that could have caused distance or withdrawal.
Small Steps Forward
As trust began to grow, Naomi shared that she had applied for a job but hadn’t heard anything back. It would have been easy to assume the opportunity had passed. Instead, Sue encouraged her to take one more step and follow up. That step mattered.
Naomi got the job, and not long after, she stepped into a full-time role. What once felt uncertain began to shift toward stability. It was not a sudden transformation, but it was real progress. Together, they continued praying for what was next.
Housing had been a constant source of stress. Finding a safe, consistent place to live felt out of reach. But as they prayed and trusted the Lord, an apartment became available. Naomi began moving into a space of her own, with the help of those around her. What once felt unstable was beginning to take shape into something secure.
Where God Is Working
Through every step, Sue remained a consistent voice of truth and encouragement. She and Naomi spent time in Scripture and prayed together. Sue often reminded Naomi that God saw her, that He loved her, and that her story was not finished. “This is where God works,” Sue shared. “In the cracks.”
Rooted Together is built on this kind of relationship. Mentors are there to encourage moms spiritually, and sometimes even on their journey to stability.
For volunteers, Sue’s story is an invitation to step into something lasting. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to stay, listen, and trust that God is at work.
For donors, this is the impact of your generosity. You are helping create relationships that continue beyond crisis. You are supporting moms as they take meaningful steps toward stability, surrounded by people who reflect the love of Christ.
Because when someone stays, hope has room to grow.
*Name changed to protect privacy.