With Womankind’s support, Julie overcame extraordinary odds, welcomed a Mother’s Day miracle, and now works hard to inspire other women to persevere.
In 2012 Julie Zarin was just 17 years old and expecting her first child. Recognizing she would need help she contacted Womankind. “The staff of Womankind was able to meet all my medical needs, making sure that my baby was ok, as well as supplying me with maternity clothes and material items for my baby.” During that pregnancy, Julie was able to get her GED and graduate from Ohio Media School. “I covered my belly with my diploma!” she said.
Fast forward to 2020 when Julie found that she was expecting her third child. Having no medical insurance and living in a shelter with her children she returned to Womankind for her prenatal care. This pregnancy was not an easy journey for Julie.
In December she contracted COVID 19 which left her with a permanent heart condition. There was some concern with the baby’s growth, but the doctors and nurses worked together to ensure a healthy and safe delivery for mom and baby. At Monday clinics, a staff member provided extra help by entertaining Julie’s sons, Channing and Lyric, who accompanied their mom to her prenatal appointments. The entire Womankind team worked together to assist Julie in her time of need.
Gaia Zarin was born on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2021.
“She was beautiful and just perfect,” said Julie. The proud Mom shares that her daughter’s name comes from the Greek goddess of Earth, mother of all of life.
Having completed her education, Julie values the example she is setting for her children. She is presently working two jobs to make ends meet and is quick to point out that Womankind continues to help by providing diapers and other necessities. Julie reflects on how amazing it is that something so perfect can come from a seemingly impossible situation. When asked what she would tell other pregnant moms, Julie said, “I want to inspire other women who want to keep their babies that they can do it!” She wants to encourage anyone who finds themselves in a difficult situation to call Womankind and utilize their services. “Everyone is kind, always smiling, and willing to help with whatever you need.”
This story first appeared in our Fall 2021 newsletter.
