Jessica Quarrells now realizes that some decisions she made will cause her life to be different than she first imagined it would be. 

“I was on the Varsity Swim Team and had a lot of friends – it was hard to leave my friends,” said Jessica.  “I had a tough decision to make.”

This tough decision was to attend Florence Crittenton School.  “It has helped me to keep focused – gives me boundaries and keeps me grounded.  It also helps me to look forward to being a parent,” said Jessica.

Beyond finishing the credits she needs for her academic education, Jessica is taking classes that help with her parenting education.  In Child Care Lab she is working with infants in our Early Learning Center and our trained professionals are teaching her the best methods of parenting, as well as, calming some of her fears and hesitations.

 “I don’t like changing boy’s diapers – I worry about them spraying,” Jessica said. “I know it’s good they have me do it, though – I am not sure if I am having a boy or not!” 

Also, because Jessica is attending Florence Crittenton School, she was told about our Young Fathers Services.  John Patton, the baby’s father, is thankful that he also has a place where he can seek assistance to learn how to become a good father.  

 “They are so supportive here,” said John.  “It is helping me to create a plan – and they are working with both of us on counseling.” 

Both John and Jessica come from families who have not been supportive and  had the some advice for other teen parents, “Work it out together.  It’s best if both parents are a part of the child’s life – do what’s best for the child.”
    
Jessica, a senior, and John, a junior at Kennedy, also have plans for their pathways to success.  Jessica is planning on going to community college for two years and then work on her bachelor degree in criminal justice.  John is also planning to go to college and apply for as many scholarships as possible.  They both want to provide the best life possible for their family. 

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