"Erin"
Erin got pregnant when she was 16 years old. After years of abuse and abandonment by family and boyfriends, Erin and her daughter became homeless. She was referred to the YES Maternity Home by her advocate at the domestic violence shelter she had been staying at.
In her time at the YES Maternity Home, Erin completed her GED and found a job. She left the program in 2010 and has since graduated from cosmetology school. In 2011, Erin came back to YES with a passionate idea to host a fundraiser.
"The Maternity Home is very dear to me because it saved my life," says Erin. "I did not have a support system and I had no idea how to be a parent. My case manager at the Maternity Home provided me with the support and resources I needed to become successful."
Erin hosted a fashion show called "A Walk in My Shoes" on December 5, 2011. She raised $2,000 and shared her story in front of an audience of several dozen community members.
"This program gave me hope," says Erin. "I want to show these girls the same love and support I received. I want to give them the hope that got me through yesterday and brought me to where I am today."
