Sharon Shares Her Story …

I've never had anyone I could trust.  I grew up in a home that was very dysfunctional; I never knew my father, and my mother was involved in drugs and a string of abusive boyfriends.  My stepfather abused us by pulling us by our hair and throwing us against the wall, but what was most hurtful was that my mother would sit there and watch it all happen.  She herself didn’t hurt us but she didn’t protect us.  Even today I cannot understand how a mother could do that.  She hasn’t really changed either, and although I am 23 I still need a mom, so it’s sad.

I was renting a room when I learned that I was pregnant.  I had just moved back to California from Missouri where I had worked as a CNA for four years.  My landlady said I would have to leave before the baby came so I went to Birth Choice where they gave me a list of resources.  I called the closest place first, Casa Teresa.  Anita invited me in for an interview and I moved in at four months pregnant.

For the first time, I found people I could trust.  When I first arrived it was hard; but Berta mothered me, Dr. Pugh helped me heal from my past, I received financial support, and even rides to the hospital.  I felt supported and cared for.  I also had roommates with different personalities who taught me how to get along with all kinds of people.  We had excellent classes, and recently we were able to attend the Glory of Christmas.  It’s so nice here. 

With all that Casa Teresa has done for me, I feel that I cannot just take advantage of it.  I have to do my best.  Throughout my pregnancy I attended school up until my emergency C-section.  My son, Jaydon, was born on September 7, 2006, weighing 4 lb. 13 oz.  During his two-week hospital stay, the Casa Teresa staff completely embraced and supported me.  They knew just when to help and when to let me deal with things privately.  I wanted to be with him from morning until night; I just felt so protective of him.  Jaydon is completely healthy now; his weight has tripled and he talks all the time. 

I was accepted into Transition II in July 2007 after completing the Transition I program, and I am graduated from school at the Regional Occupational Program.  Monday to Friday, I get up at 4:30am to take my son to daycare. 

My life is really good right now and now that I got a car from a past resident, I am that much more independent and happy.

Update –Sharon graduated at the top of her class from her CNA program.  Her dream is to be an advocate for hospital residents because “they are people too, and they are somebody’s father or grandfather.  It’s my passion.”

Let us know how you're doing:

Call (714)538-4860 or email info@casateresa.com.