The moment a woman learns she is pregnant is life-changing in every way. For many this news is met with ecstasy and expectation. Her friends and family are thrilled, they throw her a baby shower, they promise to help as soon as they baby arrives. She watches her belly grow, feels her baby kick, and relishes the thought of holding her son or daughter in her arms.
But for some women, learning they are pregnant is terrifying, overwhelming, and unwelcome news. With every passing week fear swells, “how will I afford this? Who will help me?” Her announcement is received with condemnation and judgment; she feels like her life is falling apart.
“Moesha” faced an unexpected pregnancy, and at first it looked like her story would be that of a struggling and anxious young parent. Moesha had been living with her mother, but as soon as her mother learned Moesha was pregnant she kicked her out. Moesha and her husband scrambled for a place to sleep and huddled in a friend’s car. Soon they resorted to a homeless shelter.
Moesha’s husband had to leave shortly after they arrived at the shelter, and she was left without anyone to support her. Moesha was terrified. She had a job, but she felt trapped by her debt, and it felt impossible to save enough money to provide for both she and her baby. Moesha applied to Second Story for Young Mothers and found both safe shelter and tools for making wise financial decisions, budgeting, and saving. Even before she was accepted into the program, Moesha learned how to apply for benefits from the staff.
Now a part of Second Story, Moesha is attending life skills and parenting classes while continuing at her job. She hopes to go back to school, learn how to be a better mom, and pay off her debt. She dreams of one day reuniting with her family and healing her strained relationships. Moesha was handed a story written with bitterness and tinged with hardship, but she’s determined to write her own second story, one marked by hope, confidence, and dignity.
