Kandis's Story & Video

Kandis’s life dramatically changed when she discovered she was pregnant with her first child in 2019. Alone and facing uncertainty, she turned to the Catholic Charities office in Hays for help.

“I applied for WIC, for Catholic Charities, for anything that was really out there because I was by myself,” she says.



Referred by another community resource, Kandis sought assistance through Catholic Charities, where she found a lifeline of support and solutions to her challenges. 

The Pregnancy Support Program provided crucial counseling, ensuring a healthy start for her growing family. “If they weren’t there to help me with trying to find daycare and with clothes and with diapers, I honestly would probably be working nonstop to the point where I couldn’t see my children just to afford those things,” she says. “Having them there to help me have those things helps me financially and mentally.”
 

From diapers to food assistance and hygiene products, Kandis also found vital support for her family’s basic needs. “They have diapers, wipes, diaper cream, food, hygiene kits, and even counseling,” Kandis notes.

Kandis shares her experience with counseling at Catholic Charities, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment. “Having counseling has also helped tremendously. I find it hard to open up to another person because of the fear of being judged,” she reflects. However, with the patient and confidential support provided, Kandis found the courage to open up and seek guidance, ultimately finding solutions and relief.

During the Christmas season, the Adopt-A-Family program brought joy and relief to Kandis and her children. “I don’t know what I would have done if it was not for Adopt-A-Family. It would have been a very, very, very small Christmas,” she says.


Today, Kandis proudly introduces herself as a mother of three: Parker, Matthias, and Jessica. Her resilience, coupled with the support from Catholic Charities and donors, is shaping a brighter future for her family.

“I see Catholic Charities as a part of my family because they’ve helped me form my family,” she says with deep appreciation. “I do not know where I would be right now if not for their help.”

Kandis’s story is a testament to the transformative power of community support. “I wanted to thank you guys so much for having Catholic Charities as an outreach to our community and for having been an outreach to my family. You guys have helped my family out so much, and I and other families really appreciate you.” •