By Christine Galeone, Contributing Writer
Northborough – If you meet Evelyn “Eve” Lindquist, there’s a good chance that minutes later, you’ll be looking at baby pictures on her phone. With the warmth and pride, she’ll gush over each little one. But she’s even more proud of their moms.
Lindquist is the executive director of Visitation House, a Worcester-based Catholic organization that provides shelter, skills, education and help to single pregnant women in need. Recently she was reunited with many of the more than 300 women and their children who have benefitted from the nonprofit at Visitation House’s third annual Christmas reunion event. The event included a Mass celebrated at Visitation House’s chapel by Reverend Michael Roy, a buffet-style dinner and a Christmas party. It gave Lindquist and the staff a chance to re-connect with the women and children, and it gave donors a chance to meet present and past participants in the nonprofit’s program, so they could better understand the amazing work funded by their donations.
That work started on the Catholic Feast of the Visitation May 31, 2005, when Visitation House originally opened as a shelter. In 2007, Lindquist – who has lived in Northborough with her husband, Russell, since 1985 – took over as director. Lindquist said that once it was part of her heart, Visitation House started evolving into the life-changing, life-saving program it is today. That program includes a professionally-staffed learning center that provides more than 60 classes in areas such as substance abuse prevention, nutrition, parenting, financial education, computer skills and other career skills. The nonprofit also provides mentorship and job placement services for the women. And everything is at no cost to them.
“We’re proud of the women and what they’ve achieved,” Lindquist said. “I think Visitation House is the best thing under the sun.”
Lindquist said that the success the mothers can be attributed to the fact that “We
try to find the best in someone, and they start to live up to that.”
At the recent reunion, with Christmas carols led by singer and guitarist John Drahos, Christmas gifts for all the kids and lots of good cheer, Lindquist said that they all came together as one.
“I see God’s work,” Lindquist shared. “In that room, I was elevated to a different level.”
It’s no surprise that seeing the children – ranging in age from toddlers to 12-year-olds – was one of the things that made the evening so special for Lindquist.
“It’s always the faces of the little kids,” she said. “They’re little angels. They’re innocent little beings.”
Deborah LeDoux, who leads the marketing and development at Visitation House, said that the reunion went by too quickly.
“There was just so much joy in this event,” LeDoux said.
She added, “I look at these women and babies, and I think they are so blessed, and I am so blessed to have them in my life.”
Laurie Cahill, the house manager at the nonprofit, also enjoyed the event.
“The residents were so thankful; it was just magical,” she said, noting that she especially enjoyed seeing how the moms and kids were progressing.
“That’s our mission – to make sure we’re serving their needs, to make sure they thrive,” she added.
And in this season of hope and love, Lindquist has a few wishes for all the women and children who have been part of the Visitation House family.
For the kids, she said, “My Christmas wish is that they always remember where they were born.”
She added, “And for the moms to keep that in mind and use it as a stepping stone. And for them to realize that they are worthy of good things.”
For more information visit visitationhouse.org.
