Rick Stiebel
B次元官网网址 staff
Moms and Mentors is playing the role of a guiding parent to perfection by helping Brittany Hildahl achieve her nursing degree.
Hildahl first got involved with Moms and Mentors in 2017 when her daughter, Maya was four months old and she saw a posting about scholarships at the Westshore Public Health Unit on Wale Road, where Maya receives her immunizations. B次元官网网址淚 was entering my third year of nursing at the time and gave Maureen Hobbs (the founder of Moms and Mentors) a call,B次元官网网址� Hildahl said. B次元官网网址淢aureen came to my place and delivered a beautiful care package for my baby.B次元官网网址�
Hildahl reeived a $1,000 scholarship from Moms and Mentors in September, which has been a huge help. B次元官网网址淪tudent loans only go so far, and unforeseen expenses always come up. Moms and Mentors also offered great support with tutoring for my statistics courses.They have been so supportive. Maureen is someone I look up to, an inspiration in public health nursing,B次元官网网址� Hildahl said, adding that she looks forward to the monthly meetings at the health unit or Belmont Secondary.
The Langford resident is in her fourth year of the Bachelor in Science in Nursing program at the University of Victoria. Although she wasnB次元官网网址檛 initially sure of what path to follow, the answer is clear now. B次元官网网址淚 know I want to be a part of advocating for marginalized people and work with people suffering from mental illness and substance abuse,B次元官网网址� she noted. B次元官网网址淚 also have a passion for public and global health. The great thing about nursing is that thereB次元官网网址檚 so many options. IB次元官网网址檝e always had compassion and empathy for people. I know IB次元官网网址檓 in the right career. No matter how tired I am or how hard my shift was, I still feel energized and uplifted.B次元官网网址�
Moms and Mentors supports mothers by helping them face the challenges of motherhood and parenting by connecting them to resources in the community, explained Maureen Hobbs, who launched the organization in at Belmont Secondary School in 1995.
B次元官网网址淲e do that in many ways, including food security, mentoring, and providing scholarship opportunities,B次元官网网址� said Hobbs, a former public health nurse who teaches nursing at the University of Victoria. B次元官网网址漈he mentors are the pillars of our organization. It wouldnB次元官网网址檛 be a success without those people in the community who volunteer their time by mentoring and supporting what we do. As a mom, nurse, educator and Rotarian, I believe in serving the community. Moms and Mentors is the engine that keeps me on track because I believe education and support are pivotal for our communityB次元官网网址檚 health. Over the past 20 years IB次元官网网址檝e seen how it transforms lives and provides a route out of social isolation, disadvantage and poverty. Building a safer community is not only rewarding, itB次元官网网址檚 a lot of fun. I feel privileged to partner with volunteer mentors, other service groups, businesses and individuals who enable us to promote positive parenting, mentorship, and educational and career advancement.B次元官网网址�
Hildahl agrees that education is key. B次元官网网址淢oms and Mentors understands and supports that,B次元官网网址� she said. Although balancing schooling and parenting can be challenging, Hildahl stresses the importance of being organized. B次元官网网址淪imple things such as preparing a lunch or selecting an outfit the day before can make a difference. Having reliable childcare is important, and I am forever grateful for that. ItB次元官网网址檚 the biggest challenge for parents studying. Most importantly, taking care of yourself so that you can effectively care for your children and in my case, my patients as well.B次元官网网址�
For more on Moms and Mentors, visit , or email hobbs at maureenhobbs@shaw.ca.
