Changing lives for the better.
True stories from first-time moms helped by Nurse-Family Partnership.
Nurse-Family Partnership helps first-time moms with the support they need to become confident parents and strong women, and ultimately, give their babies the best possible start in life. Read the stories below to see how the trusted relationship between Nurse-Family Partnership Nurse Home Visitors and first-time moms leaves a positive impact on the whole family.
Amanda's story
Nineteen and pregnant, Amanda had a lot on her plate, so she didn't need any aggravation – but that was just what she was getting. Her boyfriend, the father of her unborn child, got louder, wanting to argue, as he stood aggressively over Amanda, who was sitting at the kitchen table. That's when Valerie stepped in. Download Amanda's story
Antoinette's story
Pregnant at 18, Antoinette was scared and had few places to turn to for help. Fortunately, she learned about the Nurse-Family Partnership from a visit to her local Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) office, where she was introduced to Vickie for the first time. Download Antoinette's story
Crystal's story
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. When glancing at the family photo of Crystal, her boyfriend Kelvin, and their son Torrian, you might think "there's a typical, happy young family." But the story behind the photo is far from typical. It begins one year earlier, when a scared high school junior tells the school nurse that she thinks she is pregnant. Download Crystal's story
Felicia's story
Part role model, part mentor, part friend, Nurse-Family Partnership Nurse Home Visitor Clarissa is the kind of person any woman – young or old – dreams of having on her side. It seems only natural that as the conversation grows intensely intimate, neither woman hesitates. No topic is off-limits. They communicate with ease about subjects many mothers and daughters avoid. Download Felicia's story
Holly's story
Tony is a sweet little two-year-old who recently became a big brother. His parents, Holly and Alan, are loving, attentive and well-prepared for the future. They know how to advocate for Tony’s needs, and where to get answers to parenting questions. Not long ago, all of this was nothing more than a fantasy. Download Holly's story
Jennifer's Story
At age 18, Jennifer found out that she was pregnant. She was excited but apprehensive about the road ahead. During her first visit at a local health clinic, she felt overwhelmed. Download Jennifer's story View video of Jennifer's story
Jessika's story
It was hard enough for Jessika to learn that she was pregnant at age 20. What made it even harder was that few others seemed to have faith in her ability to be a good mother. The reason: Jessika was a recovering heroin addict. Download Jessika's story
Lorena's story
Halfway through eighth grade, Lorena found out she was pregnant. She was scared and really worried about how things would go. Her mom had just gone through health trauma and her dad was not around. The father of her future child was no longer a part of her life. Download Lorena's story
Lum's story
Lum was just beginning her new life in the United States when she found out she was pregnant. She and her boyfriend Min, both refugees from Burma, would have their first child together. It was another great challenge in their young lives. Download Lum's story
Maria's story
Maria was 16 when she left home in the western suburbs of Chicago. She was carrying a dark secret about sexual abuse, so she was glad for the chance to start a new life in the home of her older brother and sister-in-law. Download Maria's story
Mela's Story
Mela knew she didn’t feel good. During her pregnancy, she was gaining an excessive amount of weight and had a big jump in blood pressure. Download Mela's story.
Nely's story
As Holly Poole scans the file of her newest client, Nely, she looks carefully for any red flags. Drug use? The report says no. Drinking? Another no. Holly feels some relief, but when she scans further, she sees it: red flag number one. Newly pregnant Nely is just 14 years old.
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Sarah's story
Sarah was born to a teenage mom and has an older sister who gave birth to two children before she turned 20. So when Sarah, at age 16, learned that she was pregnant, she wasted no time. She immediately visited her local health department and signed up for a program that helps first-time teenage parents. After watching her mom's and sister's daily struggles, she knew Nurse-Family Partnership was exactly what she needed.
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Shanice's story
In St. Louis, Missouri, a teenage girl walks along the side of the road, leaning into the wind on a cold, wintry day. Wearing a big puffy jacket, she walks to school, even though it takes an hour each way. Even though she is pregnant. Her name is Shanice, and she is 17.
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Sharline's story
Sharline’s “Point A” is similar to the starting point of other young women in the program – age 19, little family support, abandoned by her baby’s father and referred to the program by the group facility in which she is living after a stint of homelessness. But when Sharline starts talking about what she wants from her pregnancy and what she wants to achieve in life – her “Point B” – Coydette can barely take notes fast enough. Download Sharline's story