Success Stories

"I know I am good at it, and I will succeed"
 
Words spoken by BabySteps mother, Ashley, who dreams of continuing her education and one day being a licensed massage therapist and nurse.  Despite experiencing some challenges at a young age, she has reacted to this adversity as an opportunity to grow and endure.  She refuses to quit, and has surprised many by her perseverance to graduate high school; earning her diploma with a 2 year old and pregnant with triplets (a 1 in 8,100 likelihood of births).  Ashley's triplets (Elouisa, Lynette, and Sophia) were born on December 25, 2009.  On May 18th, Ashley will start massage therapy school with plans to continue her education as a CNA. 
 
Ashley has many connections with St. Michaels Cathedral.  Her uncle, Rev. Richard Anderson was a priest serving at St. Michaels Cathedral.  While on bedrest for 2 1/2 months at St. Lukes, her nurse was parishioner Debbie Martin.  She is also a member of Mothers of Multiples a community support group that recently made a donation to BabySteps in which parishioner Tami Dunn is active.
 
Ashley is a role model for other mothers at BabySteps.  Having graduated from the Step Up Academy at BabySteps, she has identified her goals and is making steps towards achieving them.  She views brick walls as being in her path to illustrate how badly she wants something.  She is determined to achieve more for herself and her children and sees education as the key.  Her mother never completed high school, and Ashley sees this as a hinderance to supporting a family and having a solid career.  As a single mother without the emotional or financial support of the children's father, she is blessed to have a supportive grandmother who assists with her children's care; allowing her to continue her education, work and provide for her family.
 

“We are more alike, than different”

Colleen joined BabySteps in May 2007. At that time, she was 23 years old, college-educated, estranged from her family, unemployed and homeless. She rarely looked people in the eye, and was guarded. In order to bring her baby girl home from the hospital, Colleen and her partner Jerry had to secure housing. Dedicated to their family, they found roommates to share housing and continued coming to BabySteps twice a week for educational programs.

Colleen was one of the women who inspired the creation of the Step Up Academy at BabySteps. The Step Up Academy is a mentoring program with the idea that women can mentor women to identify goals, dream big, and create action steps to improve their life circumstances; ultimately, breaking the cycle of dependence on social services. Colleen accepted the invitation to join the first group. In fall 2008, Colleen and Jerry made the tough decision to become homeless once again; living at the Interfaith Sanctuary. One of their roommates had an active drug addiction and the other was a registered sex offender. They knew their daughter needed a safe home, and with help from various sources, a safe apartment was secured, and furnishings were provided. Slowly Colleen grew to trust the group members, share her personal story, and establish friendships.

What a difference two years makes with inspiration, perseverance and support. Today Colleen and Jerry are both employed; Colleen working in the nursery at St. Michael’s Cathedral. They have significant savings for themselves and their child’s future. Colleen and Jerry volunteer and support local non-profits who helped them during times of distress: BabySteps, Interfaith Sanctuary, Veterans Association, and Alcoholics Anonymous.

A special gift came to Colleen in 2010. Dr. Jim Gorczyca DDS and staff agreed to work with Colleen on her dental needs. As a result of poor choices made earlier in life, Colleen’s teeth were rotted. Soon she will have a new smile and healthy mouth. She is so proud of her transformation and turnaround. She is an inspiration to others and a reminder that you should not judge someone based on appearance. Colleen is a cherished member of a close group of friends that bonded at BabySteps. Although this group of women look and dress different, have different backgrounds and stories, different dreams and goals for their future, they are so similar. They all love their children, are strong women, and inspire to be positive role models.

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