By Omeshia Bowens
Author and Crittenton Alumna
When I arrived at Crittenton, I was a broken, pregnant 14-year-old girl grieving the loss of my grandmother, the woman who had raised me my entire life. After my grandmother passed away, I experienced a lot of trauma mentally, physically, and emotionally. I was depressed and overwhelmed, and I felt as though my life had been ruined. At my lowest point, I did not feel that my life was worth living. Crittenton became my safe space—a place that helped heal the broken little girl whom everyone else had written off and told she was nothing.
Crittenton provided me with stability and a safe space to get ready for the life-changing experience of becoming a mother. For the first time in my life, I had my own room. I was so proud of that room. I remember having weekly room checks, and I took pride in making sure my room was always clean and the few items I owned were always neat. During a time when so much in my life felt uncertain, having a space of my very own gave me comfort and a sense of security. It was something simple that meant so much to me.
As I settled in, Crittenton helped me build my self-esteem and feel less alone. We had group therapy sessions, and I was surrounded by other pregnant girls my age who were also preparing for motherhood. We spent time together and went on outings in the community, such as swimming, going to the movies, and camping. We were even invited to attend a Charlotte Hornets basketball game. I had never been to an NBA basketball game before! I was so excited! Those experiences gave us opportunities to connect, have fun, and still enjoy being young. Being there helped me feel like I was still somebody who belonged and deserved to live life.
Along with that sense of connection, I received support that helped me prepare for my future. I was able to attend life skills and parenting classes. Parenting classes helped me understand how to care for my baby while I was still learning to care for myself. Each lesson helped me feel more confident about the responsibilities ahead.
Crittenton also gave me the opportunity to return to school and catch up on my schoolwork. Because of my pregnancy and a fight, I had been suspended and stopped attending school before coming to Crittenton. Having the time and support to focus on school helped me get my grades back on track and reminded me that I still had a future to work toward.
During my pregnancy, they made sure I received proper prenatal care. I was treated with kindness and respect despite my circumstances. Knowing that my health and my baby’s health were being taken seriously gave me reassurance.
Crittenton did more than help me survive one of the hardest seasons of my life—it helped shape the woman I would become. It gave me stability, safety, friendship, and the support I needed to begin healing, build confidence, prepare for motherhood, and believe in myself again. Most importantly, it helped me understand that my circumstances did not define my identity or determine my future. I was not a broken girl with a ruined life; I was a young woman with value, purpose, and a future worth fighting for. The lessons, strength, and hope I gained at Crittenton have stayed with me and continue to influence the mother and woman I am today. I would not be who I am without that support. Crittenton helped me see that my life mattered, my daughter mattered, and our future was still ours to create.
