Naomi's story

Imagine being a 19-year-old mother. Seems hard doesn’t it? Now, imagine being a teenage mother with a mentor? Sounds better knowing someone is there to help you along the way, doesn’t it?

Well, that is how Naomi Coleman feels about her mentor/mentee relationship with Jessica Foster.

Naomi Coleman was dating the father of her child for three years before she found out about her pregnancy. Naomi and her boyfriend were having an altercation when she noticed “something felt off” about her. She went to the store to purchase a pregnancy test and took it with her boyfriend. When they got the results, Naomi’s boyfriend suggested taking the test again the next day. 

Naomi’s sister then stepped in and took her to the Fifth Ward Pregnancy Help Center. Naomi took the pregnancy test and was informed on how far along she was. Missing her following appointment, she was given Mrs. Mattie Mason’s, New Life Prenatal, information.

With excitement, she spread the news to she and her boyfriend’s family. Shortly after, Naomi moved in with her boyfriend. 

The relationship throughout the three years was “What we call being in a ‘toxic relationship’”, Naomi says. She says the relationship became ‘super toxic’ after they moved in together. While still pregnant, Naomi broke things off with her boyfriend and moved back home with her family. 

After moving back home, Naomi was contacted by Jessica Foster, T.I.P. mentor. Naomi was not sure about the program and ignored the first contact. When Jessica reached out again, Naomi responded back, and the mentor and mentee relationship began.

Since Jessica has been mentoring Naomi, Naomi says her communication skills have improved. “At first, I didn’t like to talk to anybody.” Naomi says, once she saw Jessica listened to her, she knew she could trust her mentor.

If a situation rubs Naomi the wrong way or if she simply wants to express herself and get feedback, Jessica is who Naomi contacts first.

“If I didn’t contact Jessica, I think I would be back in the same position I was in,” Naomi said.

By Karisa Norfleet

TIP Writer