Celebrating Courage This Women’s History Month 

As Women’s History Month winds down, we share a few of the most compelling stories of courage and resilience from women we have the privilege of serving and working with across the Agency.

To every woman strong enough to seek help and support when needed––from the young mothers balancing motherhood with high school diplomas, to the women determined to learn new languages, and who do whatever it takes to find safety and security for their families––we celebrate you.

She Witnessed the Taliban Kill Several of Her Colleagues in a Car Bombing Moments After Stepping Out of the Car

One woman who worked with a Women’s and Children’s Rights organization in Afghanistan witnessed the Taliban kill several of her colleagues in a car bombing––a car she had just stepped out of moments before. At 8 months pregnant, she left Afghanistan with three children, and is now receiving support from Catholic Charities’ Refugee and Immigrant Services Department. 

Another woman working with a human rights advocacy organization in Afghanistan stepped in to take over her colleague’s position when her colleague was also killed in a car bombing. When she started receiving threats of being the next target, she fled to the U.S., using her English fluency to help translate for other Afghan evacuees along the way. Having applied for asylum with the assistance of Catholic Charities, she is continuing to advocate for the rights of Afghan women and other minority ethnic groups while waiting for the decision.  

“One Day, When My Daughter is Six or Seven, I want her to Think to Herself, ‘I Hope to Be Like My Mom’” 

Promise, a 21-year-old mother and recent graduate of Catholic Charities North’s HiSET and Youthworks program, is now

Promise with daughter

pursuing her goal of becoming an esthetician, while Marissa, a young mother who recently moved out of Nazareth Family Shelter to into stable housing with her four-year-old daughter, is enrolling in college on scholarship this fall.  

“Life steers you onto the right path sometimes, if you are willing to take a risk and believe in yourself,” said Promise. 

Christina and Blu, former clients in Catholic Charities’ Family Support Services program in Lowell, are working on becoming the best, most self-sufficient parents after overcoming personal challenges and regaining custody of their children. 

“From the moment I started working with Catholic Charities, they were working with me,” said Christina. 

She Reminds Others That Stepping Outside of Their Comfort Zone is Crucial to Growth 

Daphney reached out to Catholic Charities Boston determined to learn English and pursue her dreams. Now an intern in Beth Israel’s Deaconess Medical Center, Daphney said, “I have already learned so much. I feel good helping people. I love my job.”

Mayenny, right

Mayenny left her friends and family six years ago to come to the U.S. from Venezuela in order to advance her career and education. She now works as the Education and Carer Advisor for the program that taught her English, where she mentors others to step outside of their comfort zone. “You have the option of changing your life in this moment. It may be hard, but it’s possible.”  

There are countless amazing women who walk through the doors of the Agency’s programs every day, helping to maintain the special sense of community that makes Catholic Charities Boston what it is. Read more clients stories here.