“Jada” was a young mother, pregnant with her second child when she experienced domestic abuse.After her husband hit her repeatedly during pregnancy, she was taken to the hospital and treated for her injuries. Thankfully her baby was okay, but Jada knew she had to leave. She fled with her toddler to her parents’ home, and her husband was arrested.
While Jada‘s parents allowed her to move in, they treated her like a failure for leaving her marriage, despite the abusive situation. They even paid the bail for Jada’s husband to be released from jail. Even though she was temporarily safe, with a roof over her head, she lacked support and lived in fear.
Right before the birth of her second daughter, Jada reached out to Second Story for Young Mothers. She wanted a better, safer life and knew she had to build it on her own. Her goals were to further her education, obtain sustainable income, save and begin financial management, and learn the skills necessary for self-sufficiency.
Immediately, our staff stepped in to help with short-term needs, providing Jada with access to food distribution and domestic violence resources, as well as other basics, including diapers, wipes, and formula. Jada worked with her Case Manager to obtain benefits and connect with parenting and educational resources through local organizations. She was able to support herself and her young daughters while starting the GED process to continue her education. She applied for pro bono legal assistance to get a divorce and secure custody. She attended parenting and life skills groups and began therapy to start the healing process from the trauma she experienced.
Once safe, living in stable housing, and surrounded by staff who cared about her and her success, Jada could finally start dreaming about a better future for herself and her two little girls.
*”Jada‘s” name, image, and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.