From Adversity To Opportunity:
The Johnson's JourneySince 1986, the Children's Cottage has provided families like the Johnsons with the help they need to cope with and overcome their challenges, build on their strengths, keep their children safe, and turn adversity into possibility.
Todd and Rebecca Johnson moved to Calgary with their two young children, hoping for a fresh start. But without family or community support, they soon felt overwhelmed. During the pandemic, the family grew with a new arrival, their third child, Suzie. Unfortunately, after Suzie's birth, Rebecca struggled with severe postpartum depression and needed to be hospitalized at the Peter Lougheed Centre. With Rebecca in the hospital, Todd was desperate for help and asked the hospital staff to connect him with resources.
He was referred to the Children's Cottage Society, and within 48 hours, Suzie was welcomed into the Crisis Nursery, allowing Todd to focus on Rebecca and her recovery. After Rebecca returned home, the Cottage offered support through two of our services. Our Nurturing Newborns program provided weekly in-home respite care for baby Suzie, permitting time for Rebecca to run errands, get rest, and manage their household during their baby's first six months.
"We keep asking ourselves, 'Where would we be today if the Cottage wasn't there for us then?' We couldn't look to our families when we needed help. The Children's Cottage has become like our family, and Robin, our Family Life Coach, like a sister to us."
Then came Robin from our Home Visitation program, and over a three-year period, she became an integral part of their lives; ensuring they had food, clothing, and even holiday surprises like a turkey for Thanksgiving. Through the use of Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Robin helped the family track the children's development. Robin referred the family to our Family Resource Network for Zoom storytime sessions to help one of the older kids overcome challenges with reading and was a tireless advocate in the family's quest for affordable housing.
Sadly, Rebecca faced a second mental health crisis, which required her to be hospitalized for two months. Todd reached out again to the Crisis Nursery for help and was able to access respite care for their youngest child when he felt overwhelmed. Throughout this difficult time, both Todd and Rebecca were unable to work and began struggling financially. The Children's Cottage connected them to community resources and stayed by their side, unwavering in their support, as Todd and Rebecca regained their strength and resilience.
"We survived. We're through the worst of it. We're good now, thanks to the Children's Cottage Society."
Both returned to work, alternating shifts to care for their children, and even moved into a new home. Today, Rebecca is receiving ongoing treatment and has become a stable parent for her children. Todd and Rebecca hope to give back one day so they can help other families in need.
Please join us in helping make a difference for families like the Johnsons.
Together, we can ensure that families get the support they need to be healthy and resilient, and children have the opportunity to thrive.
How You Can Help
Since 1986, the Children's Cottage has provided families like the Johnsons with the help they need to cope with and overcome their challenges, build on their strengths, keep their children safe, and turn adversity into possibility.
At Children's Cottage Society, we believe that asking for help is a sign of strength, and that no family should struggle alone. We encourage parents to reach out, and we are here for you with a listening ear and an accepting welcome.
When you donate, attend an event, start a fundraiser, sign up to volunteer, create your legacy, or follow us on social media, you are helping to create a better life for children and families in our community.
By making a gift to the Children's Cottage Society, you have the power to bring joy, comfort, and security to the lives of children and families at a time when they need it most.
Join Jenny's Troop Today
Recurring donations provide steady, reliable support, enabling the Children's Cottage Society to plan ahead and help more families. Recurring giving is simple for donors and impactful for Children's Cottage Society.
Join Jenny's Troop today to make a lasting difference!
Make A One Time Donation
One-time donations make an immediate, meaningful impact, helping the Children's Cottage Society provide vital support to families in need. Every gift helps ensure children and families receive the care and resources they deserve when they need it most.
