Meet Lauren and Robin

In 2019, when Lauren Mattox saw a post by a new wave feminist about a maternity home called In My Shoes, her interest was immediately sparked. She said there was something about it, that it was “unique and more holistic” than other programs she’d encountered, and from there her research began. The more she found out about In My Shoes, the greater her enthusiasm for it grew; she was impressed by “the multifaceted support, whether it’s counseling, or continuing education or helping with job searches… the network that In My Shoes has built..the post graduation housing arrangements that they have.” A University of Dallas graduate who works at Fidelity Investments, Lauren felt called to give back monetarily, and to a place like this. Sharing her findings with her mother, Robin Rohmer, the mother-daughter duo connected with In My Shoes and began their journey as donors. Their initial conversations with Maria Puccini, co-founder, greatly influenced their decision to donate because she so clearly emanated a genuine dedication to the home and its mission. Robin found hope in this mission, admiring how “they take in individuals who have had challenging paths. And I think that’s so important, not to judge on where somebody’s been, but really where they want to go.”  

When asked how In My Shoes gives them hope for the future, both mother and daughter responded with enthusiasm. Lauren said, “it reinforces my faith in humanity that there are people who believe in this so much that they want to help women and babies and children in this way without getting anything in return; you just do it because it’s the right thing to do and it’s so good to be reminded of that when the world is so full of conflict.” Robin recalled an important moment from the In My Shoes trivia night; one of the alumni moms shared about her life now and how her and another alumni mom live in the same apartment complex and are friends, and their kids are friends. “That’s really what you’re looking for,” Robin said, “you’re looking for people who can bond not just here but even later, like a chosen family.” Rediscovering the ability to form friendships and true community creates a lasting impact in a life, and Robin was so happy to see that this was the case for that alumni mom. 

Lauren explained that service has always been a part of her life: “It’s kind of cultural, in your family or community, that you serve, and you help, and you do it without expecting anything in return.” She received this example from her mother, who said her own growth in service came from her family too, “I grew up in a military family…whenever people needed help, like Lauren says, you just did it.” Their greatest advice to people is to “get out of your own head and say, any little bit helps. Because if everybody gives just a tiny bit, then that makes a huge difference.” Lauren said to ignore that voice, saying, “I don’t have any talents…I can’t give enough time,” because “you don’t have to put so much pressure on yourself.” For example, Robin shared a story about a time she came to help a friend make cookies with the moms at In My Shoes. Robin said, “I’m not a baker at all,” but she helped out. She was present. Afterwards, a couple of the moms came up to her and told her how excited they were to teach their other kids how to make these cookies once they were reunited. Such seemingly small acts of service, done with great love, make all the difference. 

Both women felt called into their role as donors by their faith, a journey to “bring holiness on earth.” Lauren told us how she often prays, “okay, Lord, what do you want me to do? How do you want me to move forward?” And the thing that always comes back to her is, “how can you lift the burden?” And from there she aims to lighten the load, in whatever ways she can with whatever gifts are at her disposal. Choosing to serve In My Shoes as a family, involving their husbands and friends, and drawing more of their community into the mission of the nonprofit, this mother and daughter have made a huge impact through their generosity and their goodness. Thank you, Lauren and Robin! 

Written By,

Margaret Jennings