By Ciara
Ciara: New Mom Wants to Return to College

My name is Ciara and I am 21 years old. My father died when I was an adolescent, which left my mother to raise my siblings and me. I finished high school and went to college, but unfortunately, I became pregnant and had to stop.  Financially, it was hard for me to continue taking classes and take care of myself. Plus, I did not know much about caring for a baby.  A friend heard about my situation and referred me to the Healthy Babies Project.

I’m grateful that she did! The staff members at Healthy Babies Project have helped me not only by supporting me mentally and psychologically but also in practical ways. I took classes at HBP to learn how to care for a child and improve my parenting skills.

However, life got even harder. My boyfriend was arrested when I was pregnant for the second time. He is now in jail waiting to get sentenced, but his situation doesn’t look promising.

In the meantime, I am continuing to live with my mother because I can’t afford to live on my own. I am looking for a job. Even with a high school diploma, it’s hard to find a position that will support me and my children. The people at HBP continue to encourage me and help me look at options.

Even though there are times when I feel like my life is spiraling down, I am determined not to give up.  I would be ever grateful if someone could shed the light in this dark place that is my life. I want my children to have a better life and a better hope.

Wish List

$10                  A bag of diapers
$25                  Outfit for baby
$50                  Shoes for mother and baby
$100                Professional clothes for classes, interviews, and work
$500                College books for a semester

How you can make a difference

Support Ciara. Click here.
Read about other HBP clients and their new beginnings. Click here.