I Felt So Isolated

We’ve all heard of challenges that come with being a mom. But we don’t often think how isolating it can be for a new mom who is in a new city with no friends or family nearby to provide help or support. That’s what happened to Kathryn – and a chance encounter led her to One by One.

“I heard about One by One at a resource fair with Viola’s House almost three years ago. I had just had my first son; we were new to the city, and I was a first-time mom with no family or friends,” Kathryn shared. “As a social person, I felt so isolated and had a difficult time meeting other moms and connecting. I wanted a mentor because I was feeling baby blues. I wanted my (older) child to make friends with other kids, and I wanted to have mom friends I could lean on when times were tough and to celebrate with.”

Kayla also had a chance encounter with One by One. “I was instructing at an art event when I met someone from One by One. We began talking about parenting and how passionate I was about postpartum mothers. It was a right time, right place situation. That conversation introduced me to OBO,” Kayla recounts. “I decided to become a mentor because I have a passion for mothers in the trenches of motherhood. Being a mom myself, I experienced the feelings of isolation, and I never wanted someone else to feel like that. I lead a moms’ group through my church, but I felt I could make an even bigger impact mentoring with One by One.”

One by One originally matched Kathryn with another mentor before matching her with Kayla. “I loved my first mentor. She was a genuinely kind person and had so much to offer. Our schedules just didn’t match, and I wanted a little more socialization. I was nervous to talk to One by One about that, but I’m so glad I did. After I had my second son, they matched me with Kayla, and we connected immediately. We had a lot in common. We both had a son around the same age. When we met, we literally talked for hours,” Kathryn said.

Kathryn and Kayla have been together for more than a year now. It can still be challenging to meet at times, but they have found ways to make it work, including talking more on the phone, attending moms’ group meetings together, and texting in addition to meeting in person. They have become good friends, and Kayla has also introduced Kathryn to other moms. “I have helped her feel seen. I’ve prayed for her in motherhood and other life experiences. I’ve been there for the big events like birthdays and celebrations, and I’ve introduced her to other moms as she’s joined my moms’ group. Fitting into everyday life has been our best way to connect – I believe she would agree!”

Kathryn says Kayla has helped her so much, especially with strengthening her network of support. “I really needed that after having my second son,” she adds. “Kayla is an amazing mother and leader in her church community. I feel so blessed to have her in my circle.”

Kayla encourages women to consider becoming a One by One mentor. “I love the connection Kathryn and I have made. She knows she has a friend who is cheering her on and helping her in any way I can. She’s a delight to be around. She’s a wonderful mom, wife, and friend. We are more than just mentor and mentee; we are truly friends, and I look forward to more memories made with her and her sweet family.”

Kayla adds, “I think any time you’re trying to make a difference, your goal is to make an impact in someone else’s life. The sweetest thing is that, of course, but it’s a bonus when it pulls at your heart strings as well! Making a difference in one person’s life is making a difference. Showing up, offering prayer, encouraging one person makes a big impact.”

Kathryn also encourages women to consider mentoring with One by One. “If it is in your heart, please do it! You can change someone’s quality of life just by being a smiling face and godly reminder that we are not alone.”