Together Toward Success
Juliana and Annika during “Day at the Capitol” field trip
Juliana and Annika Work Together for Bright Futures Do you remember your best friend from high school? You might have even met in math class like Juliana and Annika! Their friendship began by sharing the same taste in music and sitting together at lunch, and they soon became each other’s biggest advocates. “It felt nice to be able to compare stories and understand each other,” Juliana says, “I would always pick her up and bring her to school because she never had a ride, and we’d push each other to be here.” During the summer, Juliana, her partner, and her son, secured a safe and affordable apartment with the assistance of FloCrit’s Housing Department, who covered the first month’s rent and deposit. Shortly after, Annika moved in with her son, and together they have turned challenges into opportunities, raising their children and working side-by-side to create a path toward a successful future. Juliana’s former Family Advocate, Lucia Barton-Diaz, describes their incredible journey, saying, “I’ve been fortunate enough to witness the growth of Julianna and Annika’s friendship over the past year...They have consistently held each other accountable and frequently reached out to me to support each other. They have attended various career development events, always making an effort to include each other and provide mutual encouragement.” At Florence Crittenton Services, we consider the development of social capital and the formation of empowering friendships like Juliana and Annika’s as a part of the work we do to educate, prepare, and empower teen moms.
Make It A Great Day: Thank you, Frank! For over a decade, Frank has served FloCrit as transportation support, a P.E. teacher, and most recently, the Family Engagement Manager. Throughout his tenure, Frank’s focus has always been on building relationships and providing a safe space for students to learn and access resources. “I am very proud to be part of the Florence Crittenton organization,” Frank shares, “I enjoy walking alongside the students as they make their way through obstacles they may face in their journey as a mom. As the Family Engagement Manager, there is such fulfillment in working with my colleagues to honor, respect and support these amazing young moms.” As Frank prepares to transition from his role at FloCrit and move across the country, his positive spirit and dedication to the Florence Crittenton Services mission will continue to have a lasting impact on both staff and students. His influence is exemplified through the words of Juliana, who was able to continue pursuing her passion for high school softball after having a baby, thanks to Frank’s support. “I felt like I should keep doing something that I love...(Frank) helped me get into softball last year, he talked to the director at North High School because it was too late for me to sign up...He went to most of my games. I honestly look at him like a father, because he treated me like his own kid.” Thank you, Frank, for your dedicated service and the significant impact you’ve had on multiple generations of teen families, guiding them toward the resources needed to pave their unique paths to success! In Juliana’s words, “We miss you a lot, come back and tell me to go to class!” Juliana receives her first varsity letter after her last season playing softball. 2
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