Champions for Children – Layla’s House

When Ebrahim immigrated to Florida to pursue his education, his wife Yasmin followed, eight months pregnant. A beautiful little girl, Ester, was born shortly thereafter. With limited resources, no parenting experience, and no family or friends in the Tampa Bay area, the couple was overwhelmed and frightened by the prospect of raising their baby alone. A visit to Layla’s House changed everything.

The couple was first referred to Layla’s House for much-needed breastfeeding support through our Baby Café program. They quickly began to form a special relationship with Layla’s House staff. Our team helped Ebrahim, Yasmin, and Ester enroll in Parents as Teachers, where they receive regular home visits from a child development specialist who provides resources, information, and guidance related to parenting and healthy child development. Ebrahim says “it’s like having a member of our family come to the house.” They have also learned together through our Music & More playgroup and bonded over new experiences through our Explorer’s Club –in fact, they’ve never missed a week!

Through Layla’s House, this family has increased their parental confidence, skills, and knowledge; reduced the burden of their stress; and become a strong and thriving unit. Not only that: they have found a support network of new friends who share and understand their experiences and caring staff who are always there to help them on their parenting journey. Last year, they even chose Layla’s House to celebrate Yasmin’s birthday! “Look at my beautiful family,” Ebrahim told us recently. “We are happier than they have ever been before.”

“Layla’s House is truly an Angel’s House.” – Ebrahim