Meet Jessica

When I discovered I was going to be a teenage mother, I was consumed with a whirlwind of emotions. I was terrified, anxious, ashamed, and lonely. I spent more than half of my pregnancy doubting my abilities and assuming that I had just ruined my life, and now I was about to ruin the life of an innocent, tiny human as well. I had limited emotional support and I was overwhelmed with the reality that I was now 100% responsible for the well-being of another person.

Fortunately, I was referred to Fristers during my pregnancy, and my life changed dramatically. When I attended Fristers for the first time, I was skeptical. It all seemed too good to be true. How could so many people care about teenage mothers? Why aren’t they judging us negatively as the rest of the world does? What is the catch? After 7 years of being a Frister, I am here to tell you that there isn’t one.

Fristers provides young moms, dads, and children endless resources and opportunities while asking for nothing in return. We are provided with love, support, and most importantly—hope. We are given hope that we are capable. We are given hope that we will achieve our goals. And we are given hope that our futures will be bright.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Fristers fulfills God’s words for us every week. They provide us with live resources to help us obtain job training, higher education, and low-cost childcare. They invite speakers to teach us about healthy relationships, nutrition, discipline, and communication. In the meantime, our children are being loved on and prepared to enter Kindergarten.

Seven years ago, I thought my life was over. At one point, I had no hope whatsoever and contemplated suicide as an option. Through Fristers, I found purpose, motivation, and inspiration. I’ve learned to love myself, embrace my shortcomings, and realize that I am enough.