United Way of Long Island

United Way
of Long Island

819 Grand Boulevard
Deer Park, NY 11729

   631.940.3700
   631.940.2551 Fax
   info@unitedwayli.org

	Success By 6 Real-Life Stories	Initiatives

	Building a Stronger and More Promising Future through Learning Delilah Correa was abandoned by her parents as a little girl along with her five brothers and sisters. Her grandmother was given custody of them, but unfortunately, she suffered many physical and emotional problems, raising the children in an abusive and dysfunctional home. At only seven years of age, Delilah was left to fend for herself. Over the following years, Delilah was expected to take on the role of an adult with tremendous responsibility. Overwhelmed and unhappy, she left home at 14 and began living on the streets. At just 17, Delilah began a relationship with a young man and became pregnant. Searching to fill a void in her life, she chose to keep her child, hoping desperately for someone to love. Soon after her first baby girl, Amber, was born, she began living in a shelter. Delilah continued to live without the provisions of guidance or education and continued to suffer severe financial hardship. By 21, she had three small children. It was at this point in her life that she met Sarah Benjamin of the Parent-Child Home Program. “This Parent-Child Home Program inspired me and my children,” said Delilah, now 26 with her children Amber, 8, Brooklyn, 6, and Maria, 4. “I was angry about the turn my life had taken, and I didn’t know how to communicate with my children. The program has taught me how to be a better mother, how to communicate with my children, to teach them, to listen to them and to learn about them. I have learned how to feel when they feel. It is amazing to learn about them and see how smart they are. The bond I have with my children is now stronger and healthier. “Sarah Benjamin, who comes to visit us, has been more than support, she has been my friend. She has taught me to believe in myself and in my children. I know that we will have a strong future; I can see the silver lining. We are so thankful.” Supporting Moms to Lay the Groundwork for Success Liz Wilson was excited to be a mother to her new baby girl, Carina. Like many new moms, Liz experienced all of the joys of motherhood, while at the same time experiencing all of the challenges. Becoming a new mother required Liz to learn more about motherhood and babies than she had ever expected. Liz had questions and concerns about sleeping issues, eating habits, a child’s stages of growth, breastfeeding concerns, going back to work and more. She turned to doctors, family, friends and books for answers, but still felt incomplete in her search for support. She needed to talk to other new moms who were going through the same things she was, other women to turn to for suggestions and help. Liz, a single stay-at-home mom, began to search for support groups that were inexpensive or free but had little luck. Later, while walking through the Middle Country Library, Liz noticed a sign posted about the library’s Mothers Center which encouraged mothers to join its free support groups and program. Liz decided to join and met many other mothers who shared the same experiences. “I found the group to be incredibly helpful. It was an ‘out’ for me to meet other moms going through the same situations as me,” said Liz. “It made me feel like I wasn’t alone anymore.” Liz continued to attend the Mothers Center group sessions every week and not only met women who became her support system, but also her friends. She regularly meets with other women from the group for play dates and social activities. “It is such a great program and should certainly be continued,” said Liz, “I look forward to its growth because it is truly a great opportunity for all moms.”