Tara and Tatum

Tara became pregnant at 17 and had little family support. When her son Devin was a few months old, Tara heard about Sisters in Support from her high school counselor. After an interview with the SIS social worker, Tara was matched with Tatum, a young mother in her mid-twenties.

Tara and Tatum quickly developed a strong relationship. In the seven months they were matched, Tatum helped Tara with numerous practical tasks such as finding a job, visiting a college campus, applying for financial aid and setting up a budget. Tatum also convinced Tara to attend her high school graduation. Tatum was Tara’s only support person in the audience as Tara walked across the stage to accept her diploma.

Tatum and Tara also had lots of fun together. They enjoyed outings with their children as well as play dates at Tatum’s home. Tatum modeled good parenting while teaching Tara about child development.

Tatum stood by Tara through some very challenging times. For several months, Tara’s housing situation was unstable. Tatum and the SIS social worker were able to help Tara get into supportive housing for women and children. During this same time period, Tatum helped Tara understand the importance of healthy relationships with family members, friends and boys.

With Tatum’s encouragement, Tara set goals for herself regarding education, parenting and employment. Tara knows that she needs to reach her goals in order to provide a healthy, stable environment for her son.

Tatum’s support over the last seven months has helped Tara turn her life around. Tara recently moved to Chicago to live with her grandmother. Tatum and Tara plan to stay in touch with each other via phone, texting and email. Tatum is now ready to give her support to another young mother in the Sisters in Support program.