A Teen Mama’s Journey Home
Jade is an expectant mama who recently connected with Grace’s Table. Jade's journey through childhood and adolescence was far from smooth sailing. She encountered many trials and tribulations, including stays in out-of-home placements and shelters and the heart-wrenching process of being separated from her birth family.
Despite these challenges, Jade demonstrated an incredible level of maturity, often making decisions that many adults would find daunting, and has been living on her own from the age of 16. Her story is a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
The Announcement That Changed Everything
In the most recent chapter of her journey, Jade was able to secure stable housing. However, with the announcement of her pregnancy, the atmosphere of her home underwent a rapid transformation, becoming a place where she no longer felt safe.
Summoning her courage, she made the painful decision to leave the east side of the state with the hope of finding safety and stability for herself and her unborn child in Grand Rapids.
Navigating the Challenges of Homelessness
After her move to Grand Rapids, Jade took the courageous step of enrolling herself in a shelter. Her determination burned bright as she committed herself to securing her high school diploma and carving out a path toward employment.
Without skipping a beat, Jade took on two jobs and dove right into her schooling. She fearlessly reached out for support, tapping into the resources provided by the shelter, her school, and Grace’s Table.
Hope Amid Uncertainty
Jade now stands at a crucial juncture as she searches relentlessly for stable housing in Grand Rapids. For several months, Jade has been working alongside one of our Family Advocates to secure a place to live. Despite her exhaustive efforts, all her potential options have fallen through.
Every time a door seems to open, it is promptly slammed shut. Her hope to find a safe and sound shelter dims with every closed door. But as her belly swells with life, the determination to provide a secure home for her and her baby only grows.
She is now faced with a difficult decision: should she settle for her unhealthy past living situation just to have a roof over her head, or should she continue searching for a solution as her baby’s due date quickly approaches?
How You Can Help
Through every challenge, Jade holds on to her dream – to provide the best life for herself and her little one.
While we don’t yet know how it will end, we do know that this isn’t the final chapter of Jade’s story. We continue to walk alongside her as she navigates resources and weighs decisions. We are confident that Jade will finally be able to find her home very soon.
Like Jade, almost every teen mama we work with faces challenges. These mamas often feel isolated and alone and struggle to make the connections necessary to lead safe and healthy lives.
But there’s something you can do about it.
Join us at our Gala on October 4 to ensure no teen mama goes without the support she needs to transition from isolation to community.
