Grantee Profile: Teen Finds Support with the South Los Angeles Best Babies Collaborative

When Amanda gave birth to her baby girl, Celia, the young mother's future seemed frighteningly bleak. Seventeen years old, living with an abusive boyfriend, drug addicted, and already possessing a criminal record, Amanda knew she wanted a better life for her child. The question was how to accomplish that. She didn’t know where to start.

Luckily, Emily Flores came along at the right time. A case manager with MotherNet LA, a member of the South LA Best Babies Collaborative, Emily began working with Amanda two months after her baby was born. A willing Amanda, who asked that her real name not be used, was quickly enrolled in the BBC, and she and Emily began to work on a plan to improve the lives of mother and daughter.

"She has achieved a lot," said Emily, who has supported Amanda for over a year now. Amanda is now six months away from graduating high school. She lives with her mother, works locally and is planning to attend college. "If it were not for Emily I would not be here," said Amanda, who has received transportation vouchers and free therapy through the program.

MotherNet is part of a five-agency network that works to meet the needs of the community. A hot spot for women like Amanda, the South LA BBC provides case management, monthly social support groups and education to women and teens during and between pregnancies. Support includes chemical dependency and domestic violence counseling, diabetes care, asthma control, inter-conception care and breastfeeding.

"The BBC partners are collaboratively improving comprehensive care for families, giving all babies in South L.A. a healthy start in life," says Julia Heinzerling of South Los Angeles Health Projects, the lead agency for the Collaborative.

To date the South LA BBC has provided case management for more than 125 women, and has reached thousands more through education and outreach. To learn more about the South LA Best Babies Collaborative go to www.labestbabies.org.