Stephanie

Stephanie was 14 years old when her mother passed away and she went to live with her father.  Shortly after, Stephanie was removed from his care and placed in a foster home. 

In foster care, she drifted from place to place, smoked marijuana and encountered the police.  When she arrived at St. Anne's, she was 16 and pregnant.  She struggled with controlling her anger and was confrontational with staff and other residents.  She would often isolate herself and refused to participate in social activities. 

When her baby son arrived, Stephanie found herself totally unprepared for the responsibility of caring for him.  She didn't know how to change diapers, feed or bathe him.  St. Anne's staff worked with her hands-on, teaching her everything about caring for an infant.  During the process, Stephanie let down her guard.  She began to accept and appreciate the help that was offered, and also began to respond to people with less anger.  In the process, she learned the joy of loving and caring for her own child

After only six months, Stephanie left St. Anne's to live with a family member.  She still keeps in touch with staff members.  She is thankful for the things she learned at St. Anne's and has become a caring, responsible mother because of the things she learned while living here.