Young parents graduate Catholic Charities Boston HiSET Program together.

For Gislani, a young mother of two boys both under the age of two, the past few years have been anything but predictable.

A few weeks after first becoming a mother at the age of 19, Gislani learned that the home where she had been living posed major health risks to the family and was no longer suitable for a newborn child. Determined to keep her son safe, Gislani made the difficult decision to move into an emergency state shelter with her fiancé, Jeremiah.

“In the shelter, you are required to either be working or in school,” said Gislani. “Because we are both still young, we decided school was what we wanted to focus on. That’s when we learned about Catholic Charities North’s HiSET program.”

For Gislani and Jeremiah, this was a pivotal turning point, offering them a secure support system they could lean on and a roadmap to a brighter future for their family.

Working with Colleen Caro, Catholic Charities North’s Case Manager Supervisor, the couple quickly demonstrated that they each had the skills and knowledge necessary to take the exam. With the support of each other and Catholic Charities staff, they passed all of the required exams on their first try.

“When I met Gislani and Jeremiah, they were determined to pass their HiSET as soon as possible,” said Colleen. “Gislani went into labor the day Jeremiah had his last HiSET test. I asked him if he wanted to reschedule, and he didn’t. That same day I drove him to the test, waited for him and then dropped him off at the hospital, just in time for him to watch his second son be born. I am so very proud of both of them.”

Even after the two successfully completed the HiSET exams, Gislani said Catholic Charities North has continued to support them and their children, providing gift cards to help cover the cost of living, connecting the family to local resources, and providing gifts for their sons around Christmas.

As the two wait to secure permanent housing, Gislani said they have worked with Colleen to identify their unique strengths and possible career paths – Jeremiah is interested in the HVAC field while Gislani would like to enroll in a medical sonography program. As one of nine, and now a mother to two, she says she has witnessed how vital of a role it is and would like to help other pregnant women on their journeys.

My two babies motivate me in everything,” said Gislani. “I didn’t come from the best family, but I have worked hard, and I want better for my children. The word of God also gives me hope. I do believe that he speaks to us, and that when I put my trust in His hands, he will guide us to where we need to be.

Learn more about Catholic Charities Boston’s Adult Education and Workforce Development programs.

This story was submitted by Shannon Kinney, PR & Communications Manager, Catholic Charities Boston.