Brighter Tomorrows - Katie

 

     Katie discovered she was pregnant when she was only 16 years old.  At the time, she was living in a residential facility and attending an alternative school.  When Katie gave birth to her son, Blake (not their real names), he was immediately placed in foster care.  She was heartbroken; she had been in foster care since she was a little child, and she wanted to take care of her own son.  In order for her to regain custody, Katie had to prove she was a fit parent by getting an education and a family support system.

     She started by applying to YouthBuild, which helps young adults earn their GED while learning work skills.  At 17 years old, Katie was one of the youngest participants.  She remembers working on a house with the other participants, completely gutting it and getting it ready for remodeling, “I liked doing that, it was a lot of fun!”  Also proving how smart she is, Katie passed the GED in her first attempt.

     In the year following YouthBuild graduation, Katie focused on building a family support system.  She benefitted from another UMCH program when she moved in with a Professional Foster Parent.  The Family Supported Professional Foster Care program serves older adolescents that have been in residential facilities or need more care than in their current placement.    

     With the help of her foster family and case workers, Katie has earned custody of Blake, who is now 3 years old.  She is proud to have accomplished so much in the YouthBuild program.  “It helped me a lot,” she states.  She is also happy to have the support of the Professional Foster Care program.

     Katie is now 19 years old, has her certification as a nursing assistant, and is employed at a nursing care facility.  She has worked really hard to prove that she can work and provide for her son.  She is attending college, and either wants to continue toward a nursing degree or go into the social service field.

 

     United Methodist Children’s Home has several programs and services to help youth and families in southern Illinois communities.  This past year, we have started the YouthBuild Mentoring Program in Marion and Jefferson Counties for the teenage participants who need a loving, supporting, and encouraging friend.  If you would like help a youth find their “Brighter Tomorrow”, please contact Christy Garner at christym@umchome.org or 242-6731.