Our Work in Trenton
Shelline's Story
Shelline, a pregnant seventeen year old immigrant from Liberia, first came to Children's Futures' attention through a support group for Trenton Central High School pregnant teens meeting twice a month at the East Ward Family Support/ Parent Child Center.
Shelline quickly connected with her Children's Futures' family assessment worker and shared the stress she felt about becoming a first-time mom. Her stress stemmed from her strained relationship with the baby's father and problems with her own family. Shelline's mother had recently passed away and her father was ashamed about his daughter's pregnancy.
The Children's Futures' family assessment worker developed an action plan that linked Shelline to a medical home, prenatal care, and social services (including housing, clothing and employment opportunities). Shelline also received strategies from her family assessment worker to help begin a conversation with her father to regain his support.
With the interventions she received from Children's Futures, Shelline had a healthy baby boy. Children's Futures then helped her enroll in a program for social service benefits and food stamps. The Child Care Connection, a Children's Futures' partner, helped Shelline locate child care services. In addition, Children's Futures supplied Shelline with an infant car seat, diapers, and books on infant care.
Shelline told her family support worker that she felt her ability to graduate high school, enroll in college, secure a part-time job and improve her relationship with her father were due to the support she received from Children's Futures.
As an involved mother of an active two year old, Shelline often participates in East Ward center-based programs as well as community events sponsored by the center's lead agency, St. Francis Medical Center.