The purpose of my non-profit organization is to provide support for TEEN parents by donoating diapers, wipes formula, clothing, strollers, car seat, cribs, etc. and providing support, mentorship, and other resources to encourage the continuance of their education to improve their quality of life for their future families.

Let me start by explaining the name. Peterson is my last name, “seine” translates to “son” in German, and 19:23 is Psalms (19th book in the bible) verse 23.

I was a teen who had many challenges while struggling to continue school. I found out I was pregnant in the 10th grade. I had my son, Sheltric M, the first day of my 11th grade school year. I promised myself that I would not be a statistic, as I was told I would be, and I graduated with honors (number 10 in my graduating class).

The struggle was being an adolescent, attending school without resources or support, working to provide for my son, and being a young mother. My family did not support my decision. I needed support, guidance, and some type of relief to help with the immature choice that I had made. Eager to encourage myself and to raise my son, I sought out for help from my community and high school teachers. Elders in my community and my oldest sister watched my son while I remained in school. My oldest sister made the decision to drop out of school to stay at home with my son until I graduated because she saw the potential and drive that I had.  She also witnessed the struggles I had with a newborn, working, and trying to complete my studies. She chose to drop outof school to start working once I returned from school to help support my son with diapers, formula, and other items needed so I could focus on school. (She went back to school after I graduated to get her diploma). My teachers allowed me to come in on Saturdays with my son to complete extra credit work and to be able to remain in all honors classes. I earned an academic scholarship to college but had to decline due to my responsibilities as a parent. The father, Sheltric, continued being the typical high school teen and his life continued as normal. He helped when he could, but I found that the responsibility as a mother was far greater than the father in our situation. He earned an athletic scholarship but had to decline because his family did not support his decision to be a father either. That’s when he joined the US Navy and here we are today.

I say all of this because we have students in our communities that are going through similar situations or have been in this situation. Support, resources, and mentorship are not readily available to teens in this type of situation. The maturity level at that age makes it difficult to make adult decisions. Instead of positivity, neglect, humiliation, bullying, and the feeling of defeat and isolation takes over. Mental instability in teen parents is a risk factor for depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder. The circumstances can adversely affect maternal mental health, parenting, and behavior outcomes for their children.

I am asking YOU to help me make a difference.

Peterseine’s Place 19:23 Inc. would like to be the resource if anyone needs help if allowed. Donations, mentorship, resources, and support will be provided.