I want to thank my Family Advocate from Brighter Beginnings for being a genuine and really caring person, for listening and for the inspiration to keep going even in my darkest hour.

Kaeneithia’a Story

I was approached at an event at the Nevin Community Center in Richmond by a Family Advocate from Brighter Beginnings who explained the Black Infant Health (BIH) program to me. At that time I was homeless, 8 months pregnant and living at the Bay Area Rescue Mission.

BIH advocated for me to get off drugs and they helped me get into a treatment program to deal with my addictions. They assisted me with baby items for my newborn, parenting classes, transportation to and from my doctor, as well as to WIC and other important appointments. They also referred me to Building Blocks for Kids so my four-year-old son could receive the special services he needed.

My Family Advocate really helped keep me grounded, and she taught me about new ways to care for my children. She encouraged me all the time to keep going to school, supported the decisions I made and helped me become a better, more active and informed mother.

I will never forget the assistance that was given me during the holiday season. I was stressed about not being able to put anything under a tree for my kids. Fortunately, my Family Advocate and Brighter Beginnings came through with the Adopt-a-Family Program. My kids received gifts of clothes and toys—and there were even some household items for me.

I want to thank my Family Advocate from Brighter Beginnings for being a genuine and really caring person, for listening and for the inspiration to keep going even in my darkest hour. There is so much more I can say, but for now I will say I was truly blessed to be in Brighter Beginnings’ BIH Program and to have had a Family Advocate like the one I had.

Learn more about our Black Infant Health Program and Adopt a Family.