Young Moms' Self-Sufficiency Program
Stories of Change
Wendy*
Wendy* was an 18-year-old young mother with a 3 year old girl when she came to the Youth Service Bureau. Living in a house that was infested with roaches and not up-to-code, safety-wise, Wendy was being physically abused by a family member and her mother was an alcoholic. Reportedly diagnosed with bipolar and schizophrenia as a child, she was heavily medicated into a zombie-like state. Wendy also had a history of depression and suicide attempts. When she refused to take her medication, she felt better, but the depression remained. Wendy worked while her mother babysat her daughter. She supported both parents, who did not work, and her younger brother. When Wendy lost her job, she was kicked out of her home. Without anywhere else to go, she desperately stayed at McDonald's until it closed, and then went to the Emergency Room in an attempt at shelter.
Upon entering the Young Moms’ Program, Wendy was accepted into a transitional living program in Mishawaka. Wendy got a part-time job and began GED testing and classes in January 2008. There were still some obstacles to overcome. Wendy’s daughter had her top teeth removed due to severe decay, but Wendy was still putting her to bed with a bottle of juice or milk. Her daughter also cussed and swore so badly that she was kicked out of her church daycare. Wendy’s Young Moms’ Service Coordinator worked with Wendy and her daughter on behavior management techniques and appropriate nutrition and health care. Wendy also started attending parenting classes.
In April of 2008, Wendy received her GED. She wants to attend college, and has requested information from Bethel College and Saint Mary’s College. She is also looking to enroll in Job Works to become a CNA.
Shawna*
Shawna* came to YSB during the summer of 2010. She had been referred to the Young Moms' Self-Sufficiency program through a friend of hers 
who had also been in Young Moms'. Shawna was 24 with a baby girl. She told her service specialists that she was in need of assistance getting back into college. She also wanted to find a better job and obtain daycare services for her child.Previously she had thought she would be unable to attend due to a past bill; however, her service specialist encouraged her to talk with Ivy Tech. Upon doing so, Shawna discovered that she was still able to go to college. Through the Young Moms' program, Shawna was able to return to school.
Shawna's service specialist guided her through creating a resume, a cover letter, and applying to jobs online. YSB's Young Moms' program also referred Shawna to KV Work and The Community Coordinated Child Care agency where she was able to find an excellent child care facility for her baby.
After 2 1/2 months of being in the Young Moms' Self-Sufficiency Program, Shawna had reenrolled in college, found a better job, and placed her daughter in child care. Besides all of those things, she had also learned skills that would benefit both her daughter and herself and be useful for the rest of her life!
