Former Residents
Kaylie's Story
It was a cold grey day in winter when the call came in from a desperate 27-year-old expectant mother living on the levee of the American River. She was 35 weeks pregnant and had been couch surfing or living outdoors since she was 17 years old. She needed help and had no way to get herself to the life she so desired for herself and the child she would soon deliver. The staff from Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home (BGMH) pulled up to the encampment and waited for the young woman to emerge. She reluctantly climbed in the BGMH van and as the wheels turned and the distance grew from that campsite, so did her hope.
When Kaylie arrived at the home, she smelled of the smoke from the fire that had kept her warm and soot smudged across the page of the sign in sheet as she scribbled her name. She had nothing with her; and she was quickly given a key to her own private room, some toiletries, towels, and clean clothes. Within moments of her arrival at Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home Kaylie was able to shower and begin to wash away her last 10 years on the streets.
The same van that delivered her from the despair of living on the levee would take her to receive prenatal care, to obtain a new ID and Social Security cards, attend a rehab program and eventually drive her to the hospital to deliver a beautiful baby boy, Cayden.
A few weeks after Cayden’s arrival another set of wheels rolled into the parking lot at BGMH. This vehicle brought Kaylie’s mom who she hadn’t seen in the many years since she had left her family in Texas. Kaylie had reached out to her over the phone shortly after arriving at BGMH so that her mother would know she was safe and about to be a grandmother. Kaylie was apprehensive to see her mother again after all the years, the arguments, and the destructive choices; but no matter how the reunion would turn out, Kaylie knew that the staff at BGMH would be in her corner and that they would be there for her whenever or for whatever she needed. After a couple of hours with Kaylie and the Executive Director, Kaylie’s mom could hear from them how much progress her daughter had made in just the short few months she was there. It wasn’t always a smooth ride, but the staff and Kaylie were both determined to change her life for the better. Her mom visited for the weekend, and it was as Kaylie says, “the best time we had in a very long time.”
After their reconciliation, Kaylie and her mom remained in contact and Kaylie eventually was able to mend the relationships with all her family members and returned to Texas to raise Cayden near their family. It was there that she pursued her certificate in Automotive Technology. Knowing the struggles of being homeless and feeling stuck Kaylie used her life experiences and her education and started her own business, Auto Mom: Mobile Mechanic for Single Moms. Kaylie is a woman and mother helping others like her to make sure they can keep moving towards a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Kaylie’s 2026 Update: Kaylie has a new job (she’s still pursuing her Auto Mom business on the side) and bought a brand-new car! She and her son Cayden have plans for a couple of summer trips this year. Kaylie is extremely appreciative of the help she received at BGMH, and it was possible because of donors like you!
GWEN'S STORY
Before BGMH I was staying in a tent in the summer heat suffering from depression and losing hope and determination for life. I was in my last trimester of pregnancy with no place to go. I knew the outdoor life was not fit for a newborn. I've had a lot of tragedy in my family. I am the oldest of five - always the strong one. At BGMH I didn't have to be the strong one. I found good friends and new joy in life when I saw the precious light in babies' eyes. I know there is heavenly beauty on this planet every day.
KIM'S STORY
What BGMH means to me...A second chance, a new start, peace and spirituality, love and happiness are just a few words that come to mind. I am a 41 year old recovering drug addict. When I discovered I was pregnant with my first child, I was addicted and homeless. By the grace of God I was led to BGMH. I was greeted as if I were a long lost family menber returning home. Lenore was an angel of mercy. I've remained clean and now have a beautiful daughter named Destanee Marie. She was born two weeks after I arrived at BGMH - she came three weeks early. My dear mother got to see her before she passed away two weeks later.
SAMANTHA'S STORY
We have had the privilege of working with "SAMANTHA" who, in her thirties, came to us from our waiting list of pregnant women. She was in her last trimester and sleeping in a car. This woman was pregnant with her 9th child and suffering from serious PTSD, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and was the survivor of previous domestic violence. Her oldest 3 children were in another county, living with her mother, and she faced a discouraging battle with CPS for her other six children. As we assessed her needs and developed a game plan for her success, she slowly began to trust and come out of her shell. She began engaging in our classes and socializing with other residents. Slowly she started gaining self-esteem and completing her requirements for reunification with her other children. She showed interest in building a relationship with Christ and accepted suggestions on how to obtain a foundation with Him. The more she was educated and provided with warm encouragement, the greater her stride. After the birth of her beautiful healthy baby girl she began breastfeeding and allowing herself to bond with her new daughter. When CPS came to remove the baby (after five days at the home with mom) she still DIDN'T give up. The technicality that caused them to remove the baby was so insignificant and yet traumatizing for both mom and baby that BGMH decided to go to bat for her. Case Management gathered evidence of all her completed activities, clean drug tests, and a letter of recommendation for the court. We also advocated for her during the trial and testified before family court on her behalf Her daughter was returned to her custody and they are both thriving at B.G.M.H. "SAMANTHA" continues to flourish and gain parenting skills, self confidence and better communication with her other children. Although she has a arduous journey ahead, she has been a shining light of hope for all of us. During her growth we have provided peer-counseling, life skills, group therapy with a LMFT, therapy for survivors of trauma, parenting skills, transportation and an array of assistance to best support her success. It is our firm belief that by providing basic necessities of life, food, shelter and security, our residents have time to "take-pause" and re-evaluate their circumstances. They have full bellies and restful sleep so that they are better equipped to handle the emotionally draining process of striving forward against much opposition.