"How will I do this... work full time, go to college, help my family financially, and now be a mom?" Laquita was living at home with her disabled mother, taking night classes, and struggling to pay the family bills when she learned of her pregnancy. Despite being overwhelmed, she was determined to fulfill her obligations with no outside help. "I didn't want to make it seem like I couldn't take care of myself...I was ashamed and didn't want to become a statistic."

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Then, in her seventh month of pregnancy, Laquita went into labor. Her daughter, born prematurely, was heavily monitored. Laquita was required to remain in the hospital with her. Even after her daughter's release, numerous doctor appointments were required to ensure the baby's growth and health.

A student advocate at Laquita's college encouraged her to seek help from Cradle of Hope. Laquita's greatest need was the repair of her non-functioning car. For months, she had been relying on bus transportation to access work and school, and now hospital and doctor's appointments were necessary as well. With so much time spent in commuting, she was struggling to fulfill all her obligations. Cradle of Hope stepped in with a grant for car repair. Within two days, Laquita's vehicle was operative again, and Laquita was able to more easily care for her needs, and those of her baby. She was able to focus on her family, to build a life for herself, her daughter, and family members who relied on her for help.

Just a few hundred dollars made a major difference in Laquita's life and that of her baby girl. Laquita believes that "God creates programs like Cradle of Hope for a reason." She wants Cradle of Hope donors to understand the enormous impact of their gifts, and how they helped her to self-sufficiency. Laquita appreciates your help “more than words can say."
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Her newly discovered pregnancy meant she would have to move out of the dorm at her private college. She hoped to move into on-campus family housing and had money from her student loans to cover some of her rent, but she would still need help with $500.

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She asked the father of her baby to provide that sum. He said he would give her money for an abortion and nothing else -- another of his repeated urgings that she abort their child.

Fortunately, she contacted Cradle of Hope. She was able to resist the pressure to abort. In the process, she is continuing her education and planning for her baby's birth. What a small sum of money. What an incredible gift.
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