"Tina"

At 15 years old, Tina has endured sexual abuse, abandonment, hunger, fear and even motherhood! In 6th and 7th grades, she was forced to stay home to care for her eight younger step- siblings. Tina’s latest step-father impregnated her when she was in 8th grade with the 2 1⁄2 year old baby she holds in her arms today. Fortunately, someone took notice, called CPS, and Tina and her siblings were rescued from this abuse. “I need to finish high school”, she whispers as she approaches the front desk. “I was told at my school you could help me.” She is someone who could be a cheerleader, student council president, or star volleyball player; yet, she is homeless, years behind in her education, and without a supporting family.

Today, Tina and her son are in a great foster home. She sees a therapist every two weeks and has worked hard to catch up in school. She is making good grades and continues to persevere. She wants to be a teacher or hair stylist, and is also taking extra classes through Pima Community College to give herself a head- start! She says she needs her education to be successful and take care of herself and baby. She also says she couldn’t do it without help from Youth On Their Own, and you! Tina is on track to graduate from high school with a future filled with promise!