Teresa & Tracel

Nurse Teresa  (left) with Tracel  and her daughter

18-year-old Tracel thought her life was over when she learned she was pregnant. Alone, frightened and insecure about the future she became withdrawn and had trouble in school. Then, Brighter Futures nurse Teresa came into her life, teaching her healthy prenatal care and how to make better lifestyle choices. When her daughter was born, Teresa worked closely with the new mom, showing her how to care for and nurture her baby. Tracel learned to breastfeed and about ways to encourage her growth and development. “I know more than my mama did when she had me,” Tracel says with a grin.

Teresa helped Tracel finish school and get a good job. Now they’re working on life skills, such as how to find an apartment, understand contracts and leases, and perform basic banking skills. “She’s like a sponge,” says Teresa. “Everything I share with her, she absorbs it. And to see her apply some of this and succeed…it’s been so exciting!”

Today, Tracel takes classes at Sinclair Community College and wants to be a nurse. “I’m so blessed to have the support of Brighter Futures and Teresa,” she says. “They’ve given me motivation that makes me want to do more, to learn more things, to be there more for my child.”

“Tracel has triumphed over incredible odds. She is such an inspiration to me now. To see her come so far and succeed…it’s been amazing!” – Teresa,  Brighter Futures Nurse

“Teresa showed me that if I set my mind to it, I can do it. I can do anything.” Tracel, Brighter Futures client