Motherhood, Community, Resilience, Hope

Finding My Feet: How Priceless House Held Jess's Hand Through Single Motherhood

This is the story of how an unexpected pregnancy, a small community house, and a remarkable woman – Jess – who saw her fear turned into resilience, and loneliness into hope.

The Day Two Lines Changed Everything

Single motherhood had never been part of Jess's plan. she had imagined her partner by her side, sharing night feeds, shared bills, shared fears. Instead, Jess's partner walked away. He had made his choice. Jess had silence, a rapidly beating heart, and a phone screen glowing with search results: "abortion clinics near me" and then, “pregnancy support centres”.

Walking Through the Door at Priceless House

Amongst those search results, Jess found Priceless House. She filled out the contact form and Karen, a dedicated counsellor, responded.

"It was really hard explaining everything," Jess told us through tears, "but she was so lovely."

Jess had felt alone - no mum, no friends, no support network. She had booked her abortion appointment... three times. But each time, she felt compelled to cancel.

She asked Karen, "do you know anyone who'd be able to be my friend?" And that's how Jess met Chrissy, a mentor at Priceless House.

Meeting Chrissy: Feeling Truly Seen

It didn't take long for Chrissy and Jess to become real friends. Chrissy didn’t rush to fix Jess or her situation. She simply listened while Jess poured out the tangled threads of her story – the relationship that had unravelled, the financial worries, the loneliness.

More than emotional support that felt like a lifeline, Chrissy offered practical support throughout Jess's pregnancy. And Chrissy was invited to be present for the birth of Jess's baby. As Jess's birthing partner, Chrissy was there literally to hold her hand throughout labour and she was the first to hold Jess's baby girl, Melody.

Jess describes holding her baby for the first time as "such a sense of relief and happiness because I felt supported and I felt loved."

💡 Gentle Reminder: Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk into a room where someone is ready to listen.

Planning a Future with Melody

Jess is really looking forward to watching Melody grow up and become a cheeky toddler, and feel loved by her siblings.

Hope, Hand in Hand

If you find yourself where Jess once stood – staring at two lines, heart pounding, mind racing – know that there are places like Priceless House, and people like Chrissy, ready to walk beside you. And there is a community, often closer than you think, ready to remind you that your journey, and your baby’s, are truly priceless.