We were lucky to catch up with Gaby Ortiz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Gaby, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?
At Two Lives Changed we have the opportunity to meet several different young ladies from all different walks of life. The common thread is they are all young moms wanting a better future for them and for their children. Every week we meet with them and have the opportunity to brighten the day. The favorite part of our week is having the young moms and their kids ask if we’re having our meeting. They love meeting with us and connecting with other moms in their similar situations.
Gaby, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Two Lives Changed was created in 2008 by a Bible study group in Houston Texas wanting to bless expecting moms. It started with donating baby shower baskets. As time went on they realized while it was a blessing to gift a basket, the underlying issue was not being addressed. So many of the baby shower baskets were to crisis pregnancies or young teen moms in unplanned pregnancies. The Director decided to create Teen Life Center, a support group for teen moms to meet weekly and learn basic life skills, Bible study, and create community with like minded moms. Over the years Teen Life Center has evolved to Two Life’s Changed (TLC) in order to fully encompass not only teens, but young moms up to 24, and a residential program in Houston to house the mom and the baby. TLC meets every week where dinner is provided, the young moms meet with our staff and volunteers of positive encouraging women who encourage them and walk alongside with them. Our meeting alternate between life skills and positive affirmation classes to Bible studies. Each mom get diapers and wipes for attendance. Every quarter TLC hosts a community baby shower to bless the community. TLC is also big on celebrations, at our quarterly celebrations we honor birthdays, new jobs or any new milestone that is being reached. Celebrating and uplifting these young mothers is the heart of the ministry.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Working with a diverse group of young moms from different stages of their life requires empathy and compassion unlike any other. One must be able to walk next to them, a mile in their shoes, understand life from their point of view. While the goal is to show them how to accomplish goals and how to pivot, it’s important to understand where they currently are and sit with them awhile. These young moms just want to be seen. They want to be encouraged, loved and cheered on.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The personal touch is what sets us apart. TLC is a relational ministry. The client numbers are not huge but it is perfect for walking alongside the young moms. We create a community of positivity that lives life with these young moms. Daily and weekly checkins. Questions on how their day was, how was work, how is school going. If they have doctor appointments how did it go? Letting them know that someone cares and is in their corner cheering them on can be the catalyst that helps them succeed, they know they’re not alone and that means the world to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.twoliveschangedtx.org
- Instagram: tlc_sanantonio1
- Facebook: Two Lives Changed- SA