By Simone
Simone: Abandoned New Mom Builds a New Life

My name is Simone and I am 23 years old. I was raised by a single mom. She did the best that she could to provide for my sister and me. However, she had her own demons to deal with, which made life difficult for all of us. I have had other challenges, too. As long as I can remember, I have struggled with my weight. Now, as an adult, I am obese and diabetic. After I graduated from high school, I wanted to go to college, but I never got the courage to go through with it.

When I became pregnant, I didn’t know what to do. Healthy Babies Project helped me during my pregnancy. The TPEP (Teen Parent Empowerment Program) classes gave me the tools that I needed to be a better parent to my child. I want to do a good job as a parent.

But the staff at HBP is helping me in other ways, too. My baby’s father moved to a different state and has no relationship with the child. I am now a single mom without a job and education. I want to go to CNA (certified nursing assistant) school, but right now I’m not sure how to pay for it. I also would like to move because my mom’s place is too small – plus it’s time for me to be on my own with my son. Healthy Babies Project is helping me take one problem at a time and work on it. The staff are helping me slowly by surely grow courage. I’ve got a long way to go, but with support, I believe I can make it.

Wish List

$5                    Baby formula
$40                  Food for mother and baby for a week
$100                Professional clothes for classes, interviews, and work
$500                Books and supplies for a semester of vocational school

Ways you can help

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