LYFEram:
Giving Life to Teen Moms Prog
by
Michelle Accorso
The “Living
for the Young Family through Education Program” (LYFE) is an
integral component of many New York City Public Schools. LYFE
centers provide day care facilities for the infants and toddlers
of students still attending school and provide for their specialized
needs. Education Update had the pleasure of interviewing
two young teenage mothers, Jennifer Gay of Brandeis High School
and Christina Broadhurst of P932, who are currently attending
this unusual program.
Education
Update: How did you find out about the LYFE
program?
Gay: I
had a few friends that were going there, and loved it, so they
told me about it.
Broadhurst: I
just looked through a High School Application book and found
it in there. So I went with my daughter, Brianna, to get interviewed
and was accepted.
Education
Update: How has it helped you?
Gay: I
didn’t have a babysitter, I couldn’t afford one. The LYFE program
helped me out a lot not only with watching my son, Kevin, but
also when I ran out of milk they gave me money. They also provide
medical coverage for Kevin and me. Not only that, but they
teach Kevin as well. I’ll get him at the end of the day and
he’s learned so much.
Broadhurst: I
wouldn’t be able to go to school without it. I’m able to spend
the same amount of hours in school as anyone else would and
I get to see my daughter between classes.
Education
Update: How old are your children?
Gay: Kevin
is nine months.
Broadhurst: Brianna
is seven months.
Education
Update: How do you manage your finances?
Gay: Fortunately
Kevin’s father and I have remained friends and he supports
Kevin a lot. My mother also helps.
Broadhurst: I’m
16 right now, soon to be 17 so I am still very dependent on
my mother for money. The LYFE program does help with job placement,
though, so I am looking into that.
Education
Update: Are there any other programs you looked
into before this one?
Gay: No.
I saw this one, met with people there while I was still pregnant
and didn’t have a reason to look anywhere else.
Broadhurst: No,
I was introduced to this program and loved it right away.
Education
Update: Is there one person who has helped you
the most?
Gay: Diane
Whitaker, a counselor at my school. She teaches me to have
confidence in taking care of Kevin and also mentors me in peer
education. I volunteer every year to educate other students
about HIV/AIDS and other STDs.
Broadhurst: Miss
Thompson, my social worker, has helped me the most. She makes
sure I go to classes, offers me suggestions and keeps me on
the right track.
Education
Update: What do you plan to do when you finish
school?
Gay: I’m
definitely going to go to college. I know that it will be hard
but I will go to a two-year community college first and then
once Kevin is old enough for school I’ll transfer to a four-year
college or university. I’m sure I will manage. I have a lot
of support.
Broadhurst: I
want to go to college but I’m not sure where or how yet. I
have to think about finances and caring for my daughter first
and foremost.
Education
Update: How would you have managed your future
without this program?
Gay: I
don’t know if I even would have had a future. I probably would
have given up. I know I would’ve had a very hard time.
Broadhurst: I
don’t think I could’ve done this without the LYFE program.
This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Education
Update: Did you have sex counseling? If not,
would it have been a good idea?
Gay: No,
I never had any counseling. I don’t know if it would’ve been
a good idea. I may have been more careful but I don’t know.
Broadhurst: No,
I never had counseling but I don’t regret anything. I’m happy
for my daughter.
Education
Update: Does this program give you courses on
how to be a capable parent?
Gay: Yes,
for a while we had parenting classes during our gym periods
but that was difficult. Mostly I just get advice from Diane,
my counselor. She helps me with everything.
Broadhurst: Yes,
the LYFE program is very helpful. Without the LYFE program
most teens wouldn’t get to where they need to be. This is the
best solution for my daughter and me. She wouldn’t be as healthy
or have such great social skills. #
Education
Update, Inc., P.O. Box 1588, New York, NY 10159.
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