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Katrina was just eighteen years old when she stopped into the New Life Pregnancy Resource Center for a pregnancy test. Soon after that she received the news that she was expecting a baby. Katrina knew from the beginning that she would keep and raise her baby with the love and support of her family.
Katrina is very blessed. She did not face pressures from family and friends to consider abortion as an alternative. That is not always the case for a young girl facing an unexpected pregnancy.
Some girls find it hard to come to the Center. They are not always ready to trust the counselors and volunteers. It was some time before Katrina decided to come back and see what New Life had to offer her and her unborn baby. Finally she visited one of the meetings that are held for all of the Center's clients. She really enjoyed meeting other expectant mothers and found that she was able to relate to them and develop friendships. She received a great deal of encouragement from Bonnie Harlukowicz and the other staff and volunteers at the Center.
Katrina gave birth to a baby girl, Jazzmyn. Her brother Bailey was there with her in the delivery room and he had the privilege of cutting the umbilical cord. Katrina lives with her Mom and Dad and is finishing High School through the GAP program (formerly O4G). Her Mom and her sister provide childcare while she is in school and at work. She works as a part time Nurses Aid to the elderly at McRenolds Hall. Katrina has plans for the future that includes going to college to become an RN.
I asked Katrina how New Life Pregnancy Resource Center impacted her life while she was pregnant and since then. She told me that no one ever looked down on her at the Center. Everyone always welcomed her warmly and made her feel special. The Center also provided for practical needs on several occasions. Maternity clothes, formula, baby food and a dresser for Jazzmyn. The Center also loaned her a swing and a Crib mattress to use as long as Jazzmyn needs them.
Katrina continues to participate in the "Crossover" group of young women who have had their babies. She finds a lot of support there. She continues to visit the Center and talks to Bonnie about her experiences as a new Mother.
Without the love and support of the Center, Katrina says that she would have been miserable. With the support of her family and the people from the Center, she has felt equipped to make a good life for her daughter and herself. She says that she would definitely "recommend the Center to anyone!"
- Interview by Kelly McCausey
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