When “Kendra’s” daughter was born, Kendra started feeling nervous about living in her parents’ house. She and her mom fought all the time, and her mom was always threatening to kick Kendra out. It had been pretty scary before, but with a baby to take care of, Kendra knew she couldn’t handle it anymore.
The father of Kendra’s baby agreed and rented a room for Kendra and her daughter to live in. Kendra moved on from her parents’ house with a lot of relief, but none of her hopes were fulfilled. Kendra’s baby’s father starting spending less time with their daughter. Kendra’s landlord started threatening to kick her out unless she cooked and cleaned for him. She started to get that awful, familiar feeling of stress and uncertainty she’d had at home. When Kendra’s landlord propositioned her in exchange for rent payments, Kendra realized her daughter’s father had stopped paying rent, and she moved out.
She had no place else to go until she found Second Story for Young Mothers.
This time her dreams for security were realized. Kendra applied for benefits and is finishing high school. She’s creating a resume and looking for jobs so she can feel secure in her ability to provide for herself and her daughter. She’s also attending life skills and parenting classes and trying to learn more about financial management with the help of Second Story staff.
Now, Kendra’s dreams are bigger than just having a safe place to stay — she wants her diploma, a job, a car, and to be a good mom. She can focus on the important things for herself and her daughter.
