Meet Dawn
This month, the Mama Bear we are highlighting is Dawn Fielder! She is a thoughtful and compassionate mother. We are so thankful that she shared her Mama Bears experience with us. We are excited for you to learn more about her!
Why did you originally join the Mama Bears online group?
I read about the group in Jen Hatmaker’s book Fierce, Free and Full of Fire not long after my daughter came out to us. I wanted to be a part of helping other moms and I wanted to be a part of lifting up young people that didn’t have affirming parents.
How has Mama Bears positively impacted your life?
I have made friends and received support, but I have also gotten the chance to give. Meeting young people at Pride and sending Mama Bear Boxes of Rainbows has given me hope.
What does it mean to you to be a Mama Bear?
It means being the hands and feet. To show love. I want my daughters, my bonus kids, and the young people around them to know that they are loved.
What compelled you to join the Mama Bears Giving Circle?
It was a tangible way to make a difference. It fits our families goals and it also helps us know we are doing something.
Did any of the nonprofits in the giving circle specifically stand out to you? If so, which one?
The Trevor Project has always had my heart. The Kaleidoscope Youth Center- these types of organizations are saving lives.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the Mama Bears community?
We are changing the world by making sure that there are extra seats at our tables. We can’t take the place of non affirming parents, but we can make sure that people have a place to sit for a holiday meal and someone to cheer for them at graduation, or a chocolate bunny on Easter Sunday. LBGTQ young people who have an affirming adult in their lives are 40% less likely to have a suicide attempt. That is the work of the Mama Bears.
Share your story!
If you or a Mama Bear you know is interested in being our Spotlight Mama of the month, we would love to connect! Please note that Spotlight Mamas may be anonymous if this makes the person sharing their story more comfortable. It is important to us that we honor the privacy of those in our community. To get involved please email Juliana Jordan at mbgc@legacycollective.org. We appreciate you sharing your journeys with us!
