Who We Are

Mom Starts Here is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady Counties in New York. We connect young women in unplanned pregnancies and underprepared families to resources in the community, and help them prepare for motherhood. We believe that while becoming a mother unexpectedly changes everything, it doesn’t have to change your dreams. We look to empower you and show you that motherhood is a gift and that though a pregnancy changes things forever, nothing is impossible. You can be a strong and capable mother, and we can help.

Our Story

Our CEO Kyla Rolfe founded Mom Starts Here. Kyla faced an unplanned pregnancy when she was a nineteen-year-old college student. After her experience finding local resources that could help her establish a life for herself and her child, she realized there was something missing.

While Kyla got the help she needed, she realized there were many young women in her situation that did not know about all of the help out there for young pregnant women. She started Mom Starts Here to connect young women to those resources, and share the message that with a little help and a lot of strength and determination, nothing can keep you from making your dreams come true.

 

Our Team

Kyla Rolfe // President

kylaFounder and CEO Kyla Rolfe is the proud mother of a four-year-old little boy, London.  She lives happily with her boyfriend Brandon, London and their cat named Cat. Kyla is passionate about helping others and improving the world around her. She works in banking in the Albany area, teaches singing lessons at a local music studio, and is pursuing a BA in Psychology at Northeastern University.

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways” - Proverbs 4:25-26

Maureen Nicholson // Vice President

mareenMaureen is the mother of two amazing children, Quentin (8) and Rhiannon (6). Maureen aspires to live a life that creates social change that benefits everyone. She truly believes the proverb "it takes a village" and has grown from the support of her amazing friends and family. Her close relationships with loved ones have helped her enjoy and thrive in every facet of life. Maureen is proud to be a part of the community Mom Starts Here is creating, and can't wait to see the hope it brings to capital region families.


“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” -Maya Angelou

How to Partner with Us

We look to bring existing organizations together around a common goal. We believe that when we work together and share our resources we can have a greater impact on the common populations we look to serve.

If your organization looks to change the face of unplanned pregnancy from one of fear and shame to hope and empowerment, we would love to work with you! If you would like to be on our resource list, or would like more information about how we help, please contact us at info@momstartshere.org

 

Marissa’s Story

Some people said my life ended when I had a baby but really my life had just begun. "You didn't take away from my future, you gave me a new one". marrisaI had just graduated high school a few short months ago and had already started my path to becoming an RN. I was 17 years old on that May morning where I woke up feeling "different" in my heart and in my gut. What happened next was something that we could've never expected. A test reading "pregnant". Could that be right? At 17 and 18 years old we were faced with the biggest decision of our lives but in our hearts we knew instantly what to do. There is no "perfect time" to have a baby. Support varied- we had people who were as passionate and committed to this baby as we were and others who wanted nothing to do with us or our decision but at the end of the day that was exactly what it was. Our decision.
2016-04-01T17:41:02+00:00
Some people said my life ended when I had a baby but really my life had just begun. "You didn't take away from my future, you gave me a new one". I had just graduated high school a few short months ago and had already started my path to becoming an RN. I was 17 years old on that May morning where I woke up feeling "different" in my heart and in my gut. What happened next was something that we could've never expected. A test reading "pregnant". Could that be right? At 17 and 18 years old we were faced with the biggest decision of our lives but in our hearts we knew instantly what to do. There is no "perfect time" to have a baby. Support varied- we had people who were as passionate and committed to this baby as we were and others who wanted nothing to do with us or our decision but at the end of the day that was exactly what it was. Our decision.

MARISSA’S STORY continued

Even on our worst day and our longest night I don't wish for a second we had chosen differently. marrisaSomething happens to you when you become a mother. A bond and sense of selflessness are created and nothing else truly matters. We have since bought a house, found careers, welcomed another baby, and are getting married in a few short months. Getting pregnant at any age is a journey, and yours is just beginning. Mom Starts Here is an organization for young mothers who need empowerment and support in their choices, but the choice is always yours.

-Marissa
2016-04-01T17:44:48+00:00
Even on our worst day and our longest night I don't wish for a second we had chosen differently. Something happens to you when you become a mother. A bond and sense of selflessness are created and nothing else truly matters. We have since bought a house, found careers, welcomed another baby, and are getting married in a few short months. Getting pregnant at any age is a journey, and yours is just beginning. Mom Starts Here is an organization for young mothers who need empowerment and support in their choices, but the choice is always yours. -Marissa

NIKKI’s Story

I will never forget the day I found out I was pregnant. I was living in a one bedroom apartment living paycheck to paycheck. How could I support another human being? How could I be responsible for providing the best life possible for my baby? Needless to say I was absolutely terrified. Looking back on that day while holding my happy amazing 3 month old reminds me that I wouldn't have traded that for anything!

nikkiMom Starts Here provides hope to those who think their life is over because of an unplanned pregnancy. Unplanned pregnancy was the best thing to ever happen to me. I've accomplished more goals now then I ever did before. I'm not just doing things for me anymore, but for my son as well and that is the most amazing feeling.

-Nikki
2016-05-03T04:36:40+00:00
I will never forget the day I found out I was pregnant. I was living in a one bedroom apartment living paycheck to paycheck. How could I support another human being? How could I be responsible for providing the best life possible for my baby? Needless to say I was absolutely terrified. Looking back on that day while holding my happy amazing 3 month old reminds me that I wouldn't have traded that for anything! Mom Starts Here provides hope to those who think their life is over because of an unplanned pregnancy. Unplanned pregnancy was the best thing to ever happen to me. I've accomplished more goals now then I ever did before. I'm not just doing things for me anymore, but for my son as well and that is the most amazing feeling. -Nikki

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