I Feel Like I'm Part of the Family

Tatyanna learned about One by One when she was in her last trimester of pregnancy. She was searching for financial and pregnancy resources on the internet when One by One popped up. Tatyanna says, “I wanted a mentor to have someone other than my mom that could answer my questions regarding being a first time mom. I was a little nervous at the time and wanted someone who could help build up my confidence.”

Rachell was listening to a Christian radio station when she heard an advertisement that One by One was looking for mentors. “It touched my heart,” she said. “I wanted to be someone that a young mom could look to for guidance, advice, and friendship. Being a mom is rewarding but challenging. I wanted to be that ‘go to’ person for a young mom.”

Tatyanna lives in Virginia, not far from Washington, DC. Rachell lives in Jackson, Mississippi. Neither area has in-person One by One mentoring opportunities, but both women welcomed the chance to join our virtual program, and they’ve now been together 16 months.
Before they met, Rachell was worried Tatyanna might not be receptive to her as a mentor, but she need not have worried: they have a wonderful relationship. They were both a little worried at first about availability, but they settled into a flexible schedule that includes meeting on the weekends if needed.

Tatyanna says, “Rachell has helped me by educating me on the different milestones my son should be reaching, teaching me how to keep him safe and how to discipline him. She has been there to answer all of my questions regarding motherhood. She has also been there to offer advice and pray for me through my hardships. I have enjoyed seeing how God uses her to encourage me through challenges. She has prayed for me, sent me videos, and encouraged me through text messages and phone calls. I look forward to our Zoom meetings each month! And One by One has taught me that discipline is love. Coming into motherhood, I thought it would be challenging to discipline my son while showing him I love him. Now I am confident I can discipline him in a loving and kind way.”

“I feel like I’ve been a source of encouragement and friendship,” Rachell adds. “I look forward to seeing her each month, talking about how her baby is growing, and praying for her.” Rachell loves seeing Tatyanna’s and her son’s bright faces each month. “The baby recognizes my voice, and his face just lights up! Seeing his development over the past months is so wonderful. Tatyanna is always so upbeat and open about what’s going on in her life and what’s going on with her baby and her husband. I feel like I’m a part of the family!”
Tatyanna enjoys receiving her One by One Blessing Box each quarter. “There have been several relevant, essential items my son uses that I have prayed for that are in the boxes, including bibs and a straw sippy cup. There have also been gifts for me! The milestone, discipline, health, and safety pages and the activity cards are beautiful. I look forward to seeing what the Lord will bless us with in each Blessing Box.”

Rachel encourages anyone considering becoming a mentor to “just do it! You won’t regret it. Any time you can pour positive energy and love into a mother and child is a blessing.” She shares how their mentoring relationship has turned into a friendship: “When baby PJ started walking, Tatyanna sent me a video. That was so special that she shared that moment with me! It made me so proud of her and her baby. She truly is a loving and thoughtful mom and just a sweet person.”

Tatyanna likewise encourages moms to join One by One. “Apply. Even if you’re worried you won’t have time to meet. It’s not a huge time commitment, and it’s very flexible. Meeting with your mentor is one hour that you set aside each month to educate yourself on how to take care of yourself and your baby.”
 
One by One’s virtual program has grown, and we’ve now worked with moms and mentors in 25 US states. If you’re interested in becoming part of our virtual program – as a mom or as a mentor – please email Elizabeth at etangco@onebyoneusa.org or call 833.777.1153.