A crisis can look different for everyone. Maybe it’s a flat tire that needs to be fixed right now so a parent can drive to work. It could be the loss of a job, forcing a family to be evicted from the home they’ve known for years. Perhaps a mother is starting over after fleeing an abusive relationship. For Rosa Garcia and her boyfriend, Israel, a crisis came with a surprise pregnancy.

In 2009, Rosa and Israel learned they were expecting a baby. They were young – having a baby at age 16 meant growing up very quickly. They needed support and support was difficult to come by. Rosa’s parents did not approve of her pregnancy, so Rosa and Israel were left to enter parenthood alone. Experience was not on their side. They felt abandoned and had no family to lend a hand.  

After Rosa delivered her beautiful son, Israel Jr., she visited the Oklahoma WIC Clinic to receive formula. She was grateful, but there was so much more he still needed. As a longtime partner agency, the WIC Clinic referred Rosa to Infant Crisis Services. That day, she called and made an appointment. Infant Crisis provided her with a week’s worth of diapers and formula for her precious baby boy, and it immediately eased her mind. Being a new mom can be so stressful, and that anxiety expands tenfold when you aren’t quite sure when your baby will get his next meal or a dry diaper. 

In 2014, Rosa and Israel welcomed their second son, Ghael, and in 2020, their son Dominic joined the family. Shortly after, Rosa and Israel reconnected with Rosa’s parents. They figured out a financial plan that worked well for their family. Times were good.  

Then, in March of this year, the whole family contracted COVID-19, and Israel was forced to be away from work for an extended period. The bills piled up. Rosa and Israel were at a loss. How would they provide Dominic with what he needed? Then, Rosa remembered Infant Crisis Services. Thirteen years later, in 2022, Rosa returned to Infant Crisis Services and received food, diapers, and other necessities for Dominic. When asked about receiving the essentials from Infant Crisis Services, Rosa said: 

At Infant Crisis Services, our effect isn’t always in the short term. Sometimes families need us unexpectedly. Their crisis may change, but we are there to answer the call with kindness, respect, compassion, and love. Rosa knew the care she received in 2009 helped make a difference then, and she knew we could do it again. Infant Crisis Services would always be there for them, whenever they needed it.

(Above) Rosa holding her son, Dominic.

Click here to support families like the Garcias.

Left to right: Sharri Coleman, Afiya Wilkins, Muhammet Sezer, Annette White-Klososky, Tiffany Eitzmann

Join us for a ladies night out this summer to celebrate the incredible moms of Infant Crisis Services! This new fundraising event will feature cocktails and light bites, raffle prizes, and stories of the strong moms Infant Crisis Services has been able to help in their time of need. Honor the mom or daughter in your life, and join us as we work to Help Another Mother. For more information, please visit: www.infantcrisis.org/helpanothermother