Amidst the challenges and interruptions of COVID-19, many youth like “Calla” are still reaching milestones and achieving self-sufficiency. “Calla” recently graduated from Second Story for Young Mothers and moved into her own apartment with her son. Calla experienced verbal and physical abuse from her family before coming to Second Story, and she had very few people who supported her.
She thrived, though, upon entering the program. She got a healthcare certificate and soon began working at a doctor’s office. She worked closely with staff to save money and pay off her debts, and now has thousands of dollars in savings. Staff have seen Calla turn into a thoughtful and caring young mother who nurtures her son with positive discipline techniques, implements a schedule to make him feel safe, and maintains a loving environment for him to learn and grow.
Calla lost her job for a short time this year, but with emergency funding we were able to help her meet her urgent needs so that her progress was not greatly impacted. We are so proud of Calla and thankful to see how the program gave her the tools she needed to achieve her dreams of safety and self-sufficiency for herself her son.