Stories

Kelly tells her story in Knoxville Tennessee

My name is Kelly. I am 17 years old and pregnant. I graduated from high school at the FCA school on May 25, 2006. I am very proud of myself for accomplishing a goal that I always wanted. With the help of the staff, I set goals for myself and, despite my past, I am transforming into the person I aspire to be.

I was born on September 5, 1988, and am the oldest of three girls. I have vague memories of my childhood. I remember my mom’s boyfriend getting drunk and beating her. It was an everyday occurrence. Once I called the police for help. My mom lied to protect her boyfriend and then beat me for telling on him.

At the age of 9, I was introduced to marijuana, and from that day forward I was a smoker. I started getting in fights at school and was kicked out. I was very angry and didn’t care about my future.

A few years later I got pregnant by a man who already had a child with another girl. Then I came to FCA because of their maternity services and other programs for girls like me. The staff never gave up on me. They kept telling me I was worth something. Finally, for the first time in a long time, I felt like maybe I was worth something. I made the honor role and started a part-time job while attending school.

When I was a senior I was able to finish my credits, take the ACT and prepare for college. Now, I’m about to be a mom and turn 18. I will live independently when I leave FCA. I will provide a different life for my daughter than I had. Because of the care, counseling and education that I received at FCA, I am going to continue to survive and be a success.