President’s Corner
Support and resources for families in need
By J. Antonio Fernández, president/CEO of Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of San Antonio
Whether it’s a new mother struggling to provide for her baby or a family trying to navigate the challenges that come with raising young children, Guadalupe Community Center’s Veronica’s Boutique is here to offer support. Inspired by the Bible verse Romans 12:10, which encourages us to be devoted to one another in love and honor one another above ourselves, Veronica’s Boutique provides assistance and parent/family support to pregnant mothers and families with children under 36 months old.
One of the biggest hurdles for families with young children is finding the extra support they need. That’s where Veronica’s Boutique steps in. They offer free baby-related material assistance, ranging from diapers and wipes to baby clothes, formula, and food. They understand that these basic necessities can quickly become a financial burden for many families, so they strive to provide a helping hand in times of need.
Catholic Charities doesn’t stop at just Veronica’s Boutique. We also offer wraparound services for pregnant or parenting families, ensuring that they have access to a wide range of support services. These services include birth doulas, who provide emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding education to promote the health and well-being of both mother and baby, parenting education to help parents navigate the challenges of raising young children, supporting Dads, child safety resources to ensure a safe environment for their little ones, and counseling services to strengthen and heal families.
Veronica’s Boutique is named after Veronica Finnie, a brave 13-month-old girl who fought brain cancer for 11 months before passing away on Aug. 24, 2017. To honor her memory, the Finnie family organizes a yearly 5K run called Veronica’s Journey and generously donates a portion of the proceeds to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
If you would like to support the important work being done at Veronica’s Boutique, donations are always welcome. You can drop off donations between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 1801 W. Cesar Chavez Blvd. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
If you or someone you know requires baby-related material assistance, we encourage you to reach out to Guadalupe Community Center at (210) 226-6178 to schedule an appointment today. No matter the circumstances, Veronica’s Boutique is here to provide the vital support and resources needed to help families thrive.
Remember, life can change in an instant, and in today’s times, we all have the opportunity to be the helping hand someone may desperately need.