Cindy’s Story:
I came to Southside because I didn’t know where else to go.  I knew that if I was pregnant… my parents would probably kick me out.  We’d been having a lot of problems for a long time anyway.  I’d heard about this place that you could get free pregnancy tests and counseling, so I went there.  They were very nice and really supportive.  I never felt judged once.  They offered support and advice, explained my options and helped me sort through all of my feelings.  They even offered to help me tell my parents.  My parents met me at the clinic and we all sat down and talked for a long time.  My parents were really upset but having the counselor there to help us work through it and then figure out a plan made a big difference.

My parents are now really helping me get ready for my baby.  I’m finishing my GED so that once the baby is born I can go back to Southside and get help getting the rest of my plans figured out.  I feel lucky to have them and the support they are giving me.  I wish everyone in my situation could have a place like this to go to.

Stacy’s Story:
I came to Southside for help with my three kids.  I am a single mother and have three kids under the age of four.  Their father isn’t around right now and I had been really struggling to make it on my own.  I had a friend who was pregnant and was going to their prenatal clinic that told me about their mentoring program.  It sounded too good to be true, but I decided to go see them anyway.  I really didn’t have any other options.  I went in and met with a mentor and we talked for a long time about where my life had been for a long time and where I wanted my life to go in my future.  The mentor and I wrote down a ‘Life Plan’ and figured out the steps I needed to take to get to my ‘New Life.’  She has helped me every step of the way.

This is the first time in my life that I really feel like someone cares about me and my future.  I had pretty much given up on life and thought that where I was at that time was all I would ever have.  I’m enrolled in college now and working on a different life.  I’m excited to be able to show my kids that there is more and that they have a chance to have it too.  I hope when I am done with school and life is settled more that I can come back and work with other women like me and help them find the same life plans I found.  Good luck everyone!  Thanks Southside, you saved my life.