Parenting can be stressful for even the most seasoned adults. When Myke was just 18-years-old, he found out he was going to be a father. He knew he needed support to be the best dad he could be, so he connected with St. Mary’s Home – a United Way partner.

Together with United Way, St. Mary’s Home helps young parents gain the knowledge and skills they need to raise happy, healthy children.

Myke wasn’t in the greatest place when he was a teenager, so he took part in programs and services that built up his confidence as a father, strengthened his relationship with his daughter, and put him on a path to success with his young family.

“Without St. Mary’s I wouldn’t be the dad who I am today, that’s for sure.”

St. Mary’s Home’s clients often face mental health challenges, poverty or homelessness, and unsafe or unstable family support systems. When a parent is facing traumas like these, that stress on a child can be detrimental to their mental and physical health over the long term.

A child’s early years set the trajectory for the rest of their life.

That’s why early years and positive parent attachment programs like those offered at St. Mary’s Home are so important to ensuring children and their parents can reach their full potential.

“St. Mary’s gave me the tools I needed to be a confident dad and be a good one.”

Since 2011, 94 per cent of teen parents supported by United Way increased their confidence and strengthened bonds with their children through programs focused on child development.

Help young people like Myke find support and success by giving to the Youth Mental Health Giving Circle.