Becoming a mother while growing up without family support or living with a disability is a true challenge. But for some young women, it becomes their greatest motivation to give their child a better start with the support of the Nurse-Family Partnership. These stories reveal strength born in the most unexpected circumstances – and hope that endures even when everything else seems lost.
Andreya: Life after institutional care begins with hope
Andreya, only 16, lives with her two-month-old daughter Gabriela in a “Mother and Baby Unit” in Plovdiv. After her parents divorced, she grew up in institutional care. She and her partner – also an orphan – had no home or means to raise a child, so they were placed in a social service. For the past six months, she has worked with nurse Maria, with whom she quickly built trust.
“Maria says Andreya is responsible and curious, follows all advice, communicates easily, and has great potential.”
Andreya plans to return to school, get a job, and earn her driver’s license. Her partner is now working and looking for an apartment so they can build the kind of home they never had themselves.
Mira: Quiet battles, great victories
Mira, 21, is the mother of Nevena – a bright 1.5-year-old girl. Mira lives in Stolipinovo, Plovdiv, and has 80% hearing loss. Her partner has 100% hearing loss. Despite these challenges, she has been actively participating in the program with the support of nurse Dari.
“At first, I was nervous – how would we communicate? But Mira reads lips and was eager to be involved,” Dari recalls. Thanks to family help and Dari’s guidance, Nevena is developing beautifully – she talks, dances, and sings. Mira’s story is a testament to the fact that parenting knows no barriers when there is love and support.
Andreya and Mira’s journeys remind us that some of the strongest mothers are those who start with the least.
Thanks to the nurse-led service and the trust built between caregivers and mothers, these women find strength to rebuild their lives. Donor support makes this possible – because sometimes, one hand that believes in you is all it takes to move forward.