Mission In Action:
Catholic Charities' mission is to serve those most in need. We help individuals and families reach their full human potential as we call for justice in the community.

Replacing Despair With Hope

It was obvious to employees of Prenatal Services that Karmen* needed much more than a few prenatal check-ups.

Living in a homeless shelter, Karmen recently had fled from her abusive husband in a nearby state, only to discover that she was pregnant. Employees recognized her feelings of despair and hopelessness. Because Karmen is a Latina, employees referred her to Catholic Charities¹ Hispanic Outreach.

"She was near suicide," recollected Ixia Helmueller, psychotherapist and program manager for Hispanic Outreach. "She had been beaten, degraded, isolated and now was in a strange city where she couldn't speak the language. I knew this was a life-and-death situation."

Ixia began seeing Karmen as frequently as possible, and Karmen¹s demeanor improved rapidly.

"Her progress was miraculous," Ixia continued. "Within three months, she had decided to keep her baby, broken the cycle of abuse, sought legal help and reclaimed belief in her own power."

Karmen's recovery remains one of Ixia's most profound professional experiences. "She showed me what courage is," Ixia said.

Karmen returned one day with her healthy baby boy to deliver a beautiful, hand-crafted card made especially for Ixia. The inscription read: "I was dead, and after meeting you I am alive." Ixia can't imagine a more meaningful gift.

*Name changed