Kendra is a young mother expecting her first child. As an emancipated youth, Kendra does not live with her own parents and, instead, is transitioning out of foster care. This young woman has much to navigate on her own. She has many questions running through her mind. How will she have a healthy pregnancy? How will she finish high school? How does she prepare for parenting? With services from caring community partners, made possible by support from friends like you, and the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area, Kendra did not answer these questions alone. Kendra made a plan – and you, and this community, played a role in helping her achieve it.
Kendra first partnered with Teen Parents Learn (TPL), and at the start of her services, TPL assisted her in identifying goals. Kendra’s goals were to (1) secure housing, (2) graduate, and (3) prepare for her baby.
Once her plan was established, TPL collaborated with the Youth Resource Center, Liberty High School, and Bridges, to provide Kendra with wraparound services. Through case management support, Kendra secured housing. During the school year, Kendra’s Family Life Coach (FLC) and Liberty’s school staff recognized that Kendra’s absences were increasing and they intervened to reduce barriers to her attendance. Kendra also engaged in Nurturing Parenting lessons; she was eager to learn how to develop a routine for her baby.
Kendra put in the work to complete her plan. She successfully graduated from high school and will continue her education through trade school. Through planning with her FLC, Kendra established a routine for her baby, and she is also prepared to be flexible for her child’s changing needs. Through referral partners, Kendra also received essentials for caring for her baby including diapers, a car seat, and a stroller.
With TPL, and a united community of caring service providers and supporters, Kendra achieved her goals and is prepared for her baby. Now that she has completed TPL services, she has been referred to other parenting services at Catholic Social Services (CSS) for continued support and stability.
The road ahead is promising for Kendra. A network of supporters helped her through this important season in her life. Thank you for continuing to support the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area. Your contributions make funding possible for agencies to offer services to Kendra, her new son, and all those in need in the community.
