Tammy & Holly

(Back row) Nurse Tammy, Grandparents Jeff and Wanda.  (Front row) Holly and her children.

Jeff and Wanda were overwhelmed when they learned their 15-year-old daughter Holly was pregnant. They had trouble communicating with her and needed an ally. Holly thought her situation was hopeless. She badly needed a strong mentor… someone who could motivate her and turn her life around for the better. In desperation, they turned to Brighter Futures and nurse Tammy.

Tammy helped Holly understand proper prenatal care and what to expect during the birth. When the baby was born with complications that affected the strength of the baby’s arm, Tammy helped the new mom connect with healthcare specialists and enrichment therapists, who cared for the baby and taught Holly how to do physical therapy to strengthen her baby’s muscles.

Tammy also turned her attention to getting new mother Holly focused on setting goals, taking responsibility and following a career path. “Holly really worked on what she wanted to do with her life,” says Tammy, “and on following through to make it happen.” Today, Holly is living in her own apartment with her children and attending a high school alternative program.

Grandparents Jeff and Wanda are also more involved in Holly’s life now. “We talk a lot about how to keep Holly motivated and keep her from getting pregnant again,” says Tammy, “Since Holly realized she has to do it on her own, the evolution of this girl has been incredible! I’m so proud of her and sing her praises all the time!”

"You can plant seeds into people’s minds and hope they use them. Holly’s progress has been remarkable." Tammy, Brighter Futures nurse

"Tammy encouraged me to get back in school, get back on birth control, and do what’s best for me and my kids. I don’t know what I would have done without her." Holly, Brighter Futures client