Impact Update
From the “Black Hole” to a Place of Strength: How Parenting Matters Helped Marielisa Leyva Transform Motherhood
Two years ago, 29-year-old Marielisa Leyva found herself in what she calls the “black hole”—a time of depression, anxiety, and fear that left her feeling unworthy, isolated, and deeply overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood. “I was rejecting what it meant to be a mother and the whole stage of life I was in,” she recalls. “I didn’t feel like I was being the mother I wanted to be.”
Struggling in an emotionally abusive relationship and battling low self-esteem, Marielisa felt trapped in a cycle of self-doubt. “I wasn’t being valued as a woman or as a mother,” she says. “It made me feel like I wasn’t enough—not for the household, not for my partner, not for the kids, not for anyone. And of course, least of all for myself.”
That’s when Parenting Matters stepped in and everything began to change.
Marielisa was provided free, weekly counseling tailored to her needs and comfort. Sessions could take place in her home, a library, or even a park, and they included the children when appropriate. “They offered me the tools I needed to grow both as a person and as a mother,” she explains.
Central to Marielisa’s journey was Parenting Educator Marise Vergara. “Working with Marise was incredibly helpful. She was always there for me—whether in person, by text message, or a late-night call during a crisis.” Marise’s guidance helped Marielisa reclaim her sense of self, navigate parenting challenges, and leave a harmful relationship. “She helped me see that I am a person, a human being, a woman of value… that I am a good mom, no matter what phase I was going through.”
Today, Marielisa describes herself as confident, brave, and strong. “My self-esteem has grown so much. I love myself more every day,” she says. “And I’ve realized that, to my kids, I am their world. Me being well helps them be well.”
Her message to other parents is clear: “If something doesn’t feel right, if you need help, Parenting Matters is here. The help exists, and we shouldn’t be afraid to seek it—because we need to grow as individuals in order to raise strong children for our society.”
Transformations like Marielisa’s are made possible because of the generosity of our donors. Your support ensures that parents like her can access the resources, tools, and compassionate guidance they need to create a brighter future for themselves and their children.
As the need in our community continues to grow, we at Parenting Matters remain committed to walking alongside families on their journey to stability, connection, and hope—but we can’t do it without you. Please consider making a gift today to help more parents like Marielisa find strength and healing.
Leave a Legacy of Hope
By including Parenting Matters in your will or estate plans, you can help ensure that future generations of children and families have the support they need to thrive. To learn more about planned giving, please contact Rebekah Prieto, Director of Development and Marketing.
(941) 756 – 3007 | RPrieto@ParentingMattersFL.org