At this time of the year there are so many positive things happening at Bridgeway. The house is at capacity, with even more girls on a waiting list. However, a few residents will be ready soon to take steps into their new more independent lives. We have had several babies born in the last few months and as always, new lives are so amazing, precious, and busy.
We have been working with Denver Health Medical Center’s new gift shop. They have graciously offered several of our residents a job. It is an opportunity for these young women to be trained in many aspects of a retail store and customer service. The girls have enjoyed being mentored, encouraged, and are so happy to be able to have this great opportunity offered to them, even though they are late into their pregnancies. It is a great step on their journey towards self sufficiency.
Many of you know former resident Theresa, whose son died of SIDS. She is a young woman who is determined to move ahead and make a difference in the world. We congratulate her for graduating from college with honors last May. She is determined to take the next step to enter medical school and someday facilitate a cure for SIDS.
Sometimes we ask our residents what they have learned as a pregnant teen. I thought you might find some of their answers interesting:
These young women have to grow up quickly. The other day, one of our residents was going to work. She stopped at the daycare door, pointed to her baby and said, "I have to work hard. My boss is in there!" That is the life of a parenting teen.
I thank all of you who are there to support our moms and babies. It means so much to us to know that we can count on you. I hope to see you at the fundraiser on February 24th - it really is a very fun evening.