Sierra was a resident at Mater Filius when Christ Child Society met her. Mater Filius recommended her for a Christ Child scholarship to help get her on her feet so she could support herself and her newborn son. A 2020 article said, “Sierra was Christ Child Society of Omaha’s first ever scholarship recipient in 2015. She’s received the award every year since.
“They had the faith in me that I would continue. They never doubted me,” Sierra said. “That scholarship was there because they believed in me, and now it’s my turn to say thank you.”
Sierra gave birth, at age 17, to her son. Her dream of becoming a nurse was born then too.
“Being in the hospital and being taken care of in a way that was non-judgmental, I wanted to provide that for someone else,” she said.”
Mater Filius found tutors for Sierra and provided essential support and encouragement to help her succeed. Following her stay at Mater Filius, Sierra moved into the “Mothers Living and Learning” community at College of Saint Mary where she became a leader and mentor to other single mothers. She graduated in May of 2020, having completed her Bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Recently, another single, young mom and resident of Mater Filius was taken to the hospital by a doula. Her newborn son had RSV and needed critical care. Who do you think her nurse was in this scary situation? That’s right! Sierra, who is now a pediatric nurse. It was Sierra’s turn to provide the kind of care she had so appreciated and to prove to this new mom what was possible. She has come full circle.
