Family and Breakthrough friends support Latanya and her son, LaShawn

Young Mother Gets Help From Family and Friends

LaTanya will experience her first Mother's Day this year. The 15 year-old, who lives near Breakthrough's Joshua Center, has faced a lot of troubles and difficulties in her short life. Now, she finds herself in a very challenging new role.

On February 7th, LaTanya gave birth to a healthy baby boy named LaShawn. Andrea Jensen, a Breakthrough staff member who also lives in the neighborhood, visited LaTanya in the hospital. The two had been building a friendship for about two years, and Andrea didn't want to miss the big day in LaTanya's life.

LaTanya hadn't told anyone she was pregnant until she was five months along. When she finally did, her family was supportive. Andrea also voiced her support, even though she was disappointed and concerned for her friend. Still, Andrea knew that LaTanya didn't need more judgment in her life. This was a chance for Andrea to demonstrate grace and put Breakthrough's core values into practice.

Together with LaTanya's family, Andrea encouraged the young mom-to-be. Andrea took her to the doctor for prenatal care and to the WIC office (providing nutritional help for Women, Infants and Children) after LaShawn was born. The two friends go out for lunch each week. They often talk about LaTanya's future and her options. She is not currently in school, but plans on going back. After she turns 16, she hopes to get a job. "She loves LaShawn and is beginning to understand the weight of responsibility of caring for him," says Andrea. "Thankfully, she also has some family that will help and support her."

In fact, LaTanya credits her family with helping her adjust to motherhood. "My family, especially my grandmother, has been there for me through all of this," she says. "I am thankful for their support." Several of her older sisters have children of their own, so they have been able to share about their own experiences and tell her what to expect as LaShawn grows.

LaTanya has a long, difficult road ahead of her. But with so many loving people around her and her son, LaShawn has a chance for a bright future. And since he lives in the neighborhood, the little boy will be able to enroll in the Breakthrough Beginners Program!

Andrea reflects on the recent events in her friend's life, "I'm learning what it means to walk with and experience life with someone, even when that person makes decisions that I don't agree with," she says. "You don't give up on them."

Yolanda Fields (pictured with daughter, Summer) is the Director Women's Services at Breakthrough. She lives in Riverdale and attends New Landmark Baptist Church.

What has impacted you most during your time here?
People have made the greatest impact on me. Guests have taught me how to live simply in the abundance of the Lord. Co-workers have exemplified for me what it's like to live and work in community. Our executive director lives out her faith authentically.

How has becoming a mother changed your perspective as it relates to your job?
Since becoming a mother I have become even more sensitive to the plight of women who are separated from their children. My heart continues to break for women who are not with their children. It doesn't seem to matter what the reason is for the separation-my heart aches for them just the same. I see the wide eyed expression my daughter has every time we are reunited after a day's work, and I am reminded of the children who expect to be reunited with their moms. That expectation is shattered almost daily when it doesn't happen. I often share my pain with my own mother over long phone calls at the end of my day. She offers words of comfort like only a mother can. I am so grateful to have a mother who I can share my life with.

What is the most difficult part of your job?
I don't like having to tell women that we don't have an available bed or telling elderly or guests struggling with addiction that they must leave at 3:00 pm and come back when the shelter opens at 7:00 pm.

Executive Director, Arloa Sutter

In Matthew 23:37 we read of Jesus comparing himself to a mother hen. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem...how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing."

This maternal image of Jesus conveys God's heart for the unloved. God longs for those who are isolated and frightened to come into a place of love and protection, to experience the security of being sheltered as under the wings of a mother hen. I think that is why our shelters and day centers and our programs for children in the community are always full. God is drawing people to our facilities and programs so that they can experience God's love in an environment of warmth and safety.

We together form that protective environment for others as we listen to God and join in the network of support. As we do, we in turn also experience the reciprocal power of caring relationships.

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