A Story of Hope: Maria’s Journey
Depression does not discriminate. It touches the lives of people of every age, gender and background. Left untreated, it can lead to devastating outcomes—yet with care and support, healing is possible.
At our Center, we walk alongside individuals who are navigating some of life’s darkest valleys. One of those individuals is Maria. (Her name, image and some details have been changed to protect her privacy.)
If you met Maria today, you’d see a warm, joyful mother of two young boys, balancing family life and a career. But not long ago, her world was clouded by fear and despair.
From childhood, Maria battled anxiety and depression. She started therapy in elementary school, but her worries only deepened as she grew older. She often wondered if she’d ever make it through school, hold a steady job, or even want to go on living. Medication offered some relief, but when Maria and her husband began to dream about starting a family, she faced an agonizing question: Was it safe to continue treatment and become pregnant or should she sacrifice her health for the chance of children?
In the midst of this struggle, Maria came to the Center. Here, she met with a licensed counselor and our psychiatric physician assistant. Together they created a treatment plan that gave Maria options she hadn’t thought possible. With guidance and compassionate care, she learned there were safe ways to prioritize both her mental health and her dream of motherhood.
Today, Maria is thriving. Her boys are three and five years old. She works outside the home, nurtures her family and makes time for her own well-being. She still sees her care team and carries with her the words of her provider:
“A healthy mom means healthy children.”
Maria’s story is just one among thousands. Each year, more than 4,000 individuals receive help at the Center, and more than a third of them rely on our sliding-scale fees, made possible through generous donations.
“Knowing I wasn’t alone, that was everything,” Maria shared. “The team told me I wasn’t the only one who felt this way. That gave me hope.”
Every day, women and families in Central Iowa face mental health challenges without adequate support. Many mothers—like Maria once did—struggle to balance their own well-being with the needs of their families, yet too often, specialized care remains out of reach.
Last year, 31% of our clients were uninsured or underinsured, making essential mental health services financially impossible without community support. Your generosity changes that.
When you give, you ensure that women, mothers, children and families can access the counseling and care they deserve—care that heals, restores and brings hope.
Your gift today helps illuminate the path to healing for families like Maria’s.
Please note: We have changed the name and identifying details to preserve privacy.
