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Pregnancy can be a precious time, but it often brings stress with it. Physical issues, financial concerns and emotional worries can make it difficult to focus on self-care.

Fortunately, Catholic Social Services’ Gianna Centre is available to provide information, support and advocacy for vulnerable pregnant women. It helps women find housing options and income support, and offers resources such as parenting classes, maternity clothes and baby items.
 

Joan, an avid dog-lover and former Pediatric Nurse, spent much of her career gaining fulfillment through helping sick children. When her health began to decline and it became clear she would have to sacrifice the career she loved to take care of her physical well-being, she was desperate to find a way to still uplift children in need. This was the moment where a friend mentioned an organization she was volunteering with – Catholic Social Services (CSS) – and suggested Joan reach out about Pet Therapy.

With her youngest daughter off to university and a few years after retirement, Maria Hicks was looking for a new way to spend her time. “I needed a mission. I needed to do something that would give me a feeling of purpose and fulfillment,” Maria says. “I’m not gifted to be a leader, and I don’t have a lot of money that I can share. This is what I can do. It’s the feeling of mothering, of nurturing, helping someone who needs it.”

Dave and Alex Bouferguene are students at the University of Alberta. They are both active runners and are aiming for careers in health sciences.They’re also considered well-known volunteers at Catholic Social Services, having supported the agency since they were 12 and 13-years-old.