Nadica’s path to motherhood has been anything but easy.
It is defined by determination, courage, and an unwavering commitment to her son. At 26, she has already faced challenges that would shake anyone: a devastating apartment fire, job loss late in pregnancy, and the difficult decision to leave an unsafe relationship. Yet through it all, she has remained focused on one goal: building a safe, stable, and loving life for her child.
“I just want to keep going for him,” she shared. Even in the face of uncertainty, Nadica stayed grounded in her purpose. Her strength lies in her determination to keep moving forward, no matter what stands in her way.
Finding Strength in Motherhood
For Nadica, strength has always been a part of her identity.
As professional bodybuilder, she speaks about discipline not as appearance, but as mindset. “The work I do at the gym is not for the aesthetic. It’s for my mind,” she explained. “I’m like, oh my gosh, if I can get through this, I can get through anything.”
That mindset carried her through pregnancy and into motherhood. Even while navigating instability, she remained active, focused, and determined to be strong for her son. But becoming a mother shifted her perspective in profound ways. What once was about personal strength became something deeper, a commitment to nurturing another life.
There were moments when survival overshadowed joy. After losing her job just weeks before giving birth, Nadica described feeling unable to fully experience early motherhood. “It completely took away my ability to embrace motherhood and put me in survival mode,” she said.
Now, with support from Catholic Charities of New York helping to restore stability, she’s rediscovering that joy.
“Having the support from Catholic Charities helps me embrace motherhood more. I’m able to just focus on loving my son more, on being more present,” Nadica shared.
A Place of Support and Renewal: The Kennedy Center
Nadica’s connection to Catholic Charities of New York began during crisis and grew into something far more meaningful.
In 2023, a fire in Nadica’s apartment upended her life. Though it started in the kitchen, the damage spread far beyond it. “I pretty much lost almost everything and had to start my life over,” she said.
Rebuilding meant finding temporary housing, replacing essentials, and navigating the uncertainty that follows a sudden crisis. After the fire, she first came to Catholic Charities’ Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Memorial Community Center in Central Harlem for basic necessities, like furniture. With that support, she began to rebuild a sense of stability in her life.
But just as she was regaining her footing, another life-changing chapter began.
In 2025, Nadica found out she was pregnant with her first child. She had imagined welcoming her child into a stable, two-parent home, grounded in the strong family values. But as her pregnancy progressed, it became clear that she would be moving forward on her own.
And as her pregnancy progressed, the ground beneath her shifted again. Two weeks before giving birth, she lost her job.
The timing couldn’t have been more difficult. Along with her income, she lost paid leave, job security, and the sense of stability she had worked hard to build. “I lost all these things that would have helped me feel secure while embracing motherhood,” she said.
Instead of preparing for her son’s arrival with excitement and rest, she was forced to focus on immediate needs: housing, income, and basic necessities.
A Lifeline for a New Mother
Through the Kennedy Center, Nadica accessed vital resources: a food pantry stocked with fresh produce, diapers, gift cards, career resources such as job fairs, and guidance navigating public benefits. Together, these resources provided much-needed relief and created space to breathe.
“Coming here has opened my eyes up to so many resources,” she said. “Everything I get here goes to good use. It helps me take a deep breath.”
“Being introduced to the food pantry was really helpful. They had so much fresh produce and eggs — things I wouldn’t have expected. When you think of a food pantry, you imagine canned and boxed goods, but it was the exact opposite,” explained Nadica. “And even diapers, those are so expensive. Going through this journey without the support I expected from a partner, having access to diapers here made a huge difference. It felt like I had my own personal stash.”
Just as important was the emotional support. Her case manager became a trusted partner, offering not only guidance but a consistent source of encouragement and a listening ear during one of the most vulnerable times in her life. Whether helping her navigate resources or simply being there to talk through challenges, that support made a meaningful difference.
“This place is amazing, and I hope people continue to support it so these resources can reach families who really need them. Everything I receive here goes to good use. Nothing is wasted. Every single thing helps me make my home and family better,” she said.
Full Circle: Catholic Guardian Services and Breaking Cycles
For Nadica, returning to Catholic Charities of New York carried deep emotional weight.
As a child and teenager, she had been in foster care and connected to Catholic Guardian Services, a Catholic Charities of New York independent affiliated agency located inside of the Kennedy Center. Walking back into the same building as a mother was, in her words, “a full circle moment.”
“It was like, wow. I’m a mom now. I had to make sure that my son doesn’t go through what I went through,” she said.
As a young person entering foster care later in life, Nadica faced the challenge of adjusting to new environments and relationships at a critical age. Through Catholic Guardian Services, she had access to advocacy, housing, and educational opportunities that helped her continue forward. She was able to attend college at SUNY Cortland, receive support while away at school, and have a place to return to during breaks. These resources made a lasting difference in her life.
That experience now fuels her determination to break cycles and build a different future for her child. “I just had to make sure he doesn’t end up upstairs like I did,” she said.
The support she once received as a young person — from housing stability to educational assistance — helped her reach adulthood with confidence and stability. Today, those same values continue to guide her as she creates a safe and nurturing home. Reflecting on that support, Nadica emphasized how important these resources are for others in similar situations.
“I think having this in the community is really important. I hope my story encourages more people, especially those my age who might feel embarrassed, to come here and seek help,” said Nadica. “Mothers, don’t do it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because receiving that help allows you to be a better mother for your child.”
Looking ahead, Nadica is focused on continuing to grow for herself and for her son. With each step forward, she is building a future rooted in strength and love.
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