St. Ann's Heals: Jen's Story

Jen's Story

When Jen entered St. Ann’s Teen Mother Baby Program at age 15, she was pregnant and scared. The victim of abuse and neglect as a child, Jen worried that she would not be able to protect her own child.

With the help of St. Ann’s on-site social workers, Jen learned how to acknowledge the pain of her traumatic past and begin taking steps to overcome her fears. They helped her to gain confidence in her abilities and strengths as a mother.

When she gave birth to a happy and healthy baby boy, Jen immediately found joy and peace in motherhood. As Jen watched her son learn to crawl and then walk, she knew that he would never have to experience the same pain or fear.

He was safe with her. 

If Jen's story moves you, please share it with someone you know. With your voice, we can spread the mission and message of St. Ann's. 

About St. Ann's Teen Mother-Baby Program

For over 30 years, St. Ann’s Teen Mother-Baby Program has provided residential care and supportive services to pregnant and parenting teens, ages 13 to 21, and their infants.

The comprehensive program ensures that our young mothers deliver healthy babies, learn how to properly care for themselves and their child, make progress in their education, and improve their employment prospects upon exit from the program.

Our professional staff members offer structure and guidance to the young mothers in our care, as they sort through their life options, develop new skills, and make decisions about the well-being of their child.

Social Services

Many of the young women in St. Ann's care have experienced trauma, including abuse, neglect and abandonment. Once a family's immediate needs have been addressed - including housing, health and child care - our social workers and resident managers begin working with them on the social and emotional obstacles to independence and self-sufficiency.

Our Social Services team helps clients create a comprehensive plan to help them meet their own personal development goals. Our goal is to ensure that each client has the opportunity to heal, grow and strengthen for her family’s future.

Click here to learn more.