Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Gutierrez.
Hi Elizabeth, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I founded this nonprofit organization because I personally understand what it means to be in need of support. When I was pregnant with my first child, I was a college student in a single-income household, and I struggled to find free resources for my family. Unfortunately, many of the available programs had eligibility requirements that we did not meet. I promised myself that once I graduated and my child was born, I would give back to my community by sharing the items my baby outgrew with other families in need.
This commitment marked the beginning of our organization. I reached out to a local food pantry near my home, which is run by a religious organization and holds distributions every Thursday. Although I didn’t have a large supply of baby items at first, I started by setting up a table at their pantry and sharing what I could. Within a month, other families joined in, donating gently used clothes, diapers, wipes, and more. Month after month, the support from the community grew, allowing us to help even more families.
Recognizing the ongoing need for essential baby items, I began organizing weekday meet-ups at local parks and parking lots so that mothers who reached out could conveniently pick up what they needed. In less than a year, we expanded our reach, partnering with two additional locations and distributing essentials twice a month. We have also collaborated with other nonprofit organizations, local schools, and hospitals to provide baby items for their programs.
Today, we serve families at three distribution sites in the San Fernando Valley: Panorama City, Pacoima, and Sylmar. In addition to distributing baby essentials, we now offer free educational classes for families with children ages 0-5. It has been incredibly rewarding to see our community come together to support one another, and I am grateful for everyone who has contributed to this mission.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of running a nonprofit has certainly not been a smooth one. I initially had no idea how challenging it would be. My main goal was simply to help mothers like myself who are trying to make ends meet, especially those who are expecting a baby. I wanted to ease their worries during those crucial first few months by providing essentials like diapers, clothes, and postpartum items.
In the early days, one of our biggest struggles was finding enough storage space. Without the funds to rent a storage unit, I ended up keeping most of the donations in my backyard and asking friends to help store items at their homes. There were many days filled with anxiety about running out of diapers and baby wipes, and that worry still lingers.
We also face challenges related to not having a dedicated office or storage space, especially since we are self-funded and currently lack grants to cover operational costs. Our charity is family-operated, and we do our best to build connections that can help us sustain the funds we need to keep going. Despite these hurdles, our commitment to supporting struggling families remains strong, and we continue to find ways to make it work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a psychotherapist with experience across a variety of settings, including the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, private practice, homeless shelters, and schools. My professional journey has allowed me to support individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their unique challenges and strengths.
What I’m most proud of is the path I’ve taken to get here. As the child of immigrant parents from a third-world country, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices and hard work it takes to build a better life. Completing graduate school and now pursuing my PhD, where I’m set to graduate in April 2026. These are milestones that reflect not only my dedication to my field, but also my commitment to honoring my family’s journey and giving back to my community.
What truly sets me apart is my genuine passion for this work. I deeply care about the well-being of my clients, and I am committed to helping them navigate difficult times in their lives. For me, being a therapist is not just a profession, but a calling. I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where people feel heard, understood, and empowered to heal and grow. It is incredibly rewarding to witness my clients’ resilience and to support them as they move forward.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
To every mother reading this: I want you to know that you are not alone. There is hope, even on the days when it feels impossible to find. I know there are moments when the weight of motherhood feels overwhelming, when the clouds seem too thick and the rainbow feels out of reach. But please remember, your strength shines through in ways you may not even realize. Every day, you show up for your children with love and courage, even when you’re exhausted or unsure.
But amidst caring for everyone else, don’t forget to care for yourself, too. Your well being matters. You deserve moments of rest, joy, and support. At Eyes of a Mother, we are here to walk alongside you and your family. We may not have all the basic items you’re requesting, and life isn’t always perfect, but together, we can find a way forward. You are seen, you are valued, and you are doing an incredible job.
Being a mom is hard, but you are stronger than you think. We believe in you. And whenever you need a helping hand or a listening ear, know that we are here for you. Keep going, mama. You’ve got this, and you are never alone on this journey.
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EYES OF A MOTHER ORGANIZATION
