She Didn't Know Where to Start—But She Did

Jazzy arrived at the center, clutching her beloved stuffed animal, looking a bit unsure and frightened. At just 15, she was staying with a friend because her parents had kicked her out. She couldn't drive and depended on her grandmother for rides. Her relationship with the baby's father was so new that when I asked for his name, she couldn't tell me, only knowing him by a nickname.

As we sat in the counseling room, we explored all her options, her fears, and her dreams. She was determined to give her baby a better life but wasn't sure where to begin.

When we moved to the ultrasound room, she preferred her grandmother to stay outside. She lay back on the table, still hugging her stuffed animal. I used the doppler on her stomach and saw only a gestational sac. I explained everything to Jazzy and scheduled a follow-up ultrasound. A week later, she returned with her grandmother. It was around 11 am, and Jazzy hadn't eaten that day. She felt unwell and was very nauseous, so I fetched a snack for her. This was a perfect opportunity to connect with Jazzy on a deeper level. Once again, she wanted her grandmother to stay outside the ultrasound room. This time, we saw a tiny baby with the faint flicker of a heartbeat. Jazzy began to cry, and through her tears, she expressed her excitement.

Jazzy joined the Earn While You Learn program at the center and eagerly attended every class. She found a sense of community and educated herself on becoming the best parent she could be. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl and is doing incredible! Jazzy continues to take classes, learning more about herself and her baby every day.