Sydney and Alexis
(A Story from " The Gift Of Life Home")

My name is Sydney and I am 21 years old. I came to Freedom Village last May with my nine month old Daughter, Alexis. 

I didn't grow up in a Christian home, but I knew right from wrong- but I had no motivation to do right. My parents separated when I was five and I didn't see much of my dad after that. When I was nine, I found out my mom was a lesbian. Shortly after that, my brother, my sister and I moved to Buffalo with my mom's girlfriend.  At a young age, I began to hate God for saying my mom was wrong.

Although I did well in school, I hung out with the wrong crowd and started getting into drugs and parties. After my siblings left, the relationship with my mom crumbled, leading me to use more drugs. By the time I graduated high school, I had moved with my boyfriend and started to really lose control of my life.

After a few months, I decided to go to college and try to make something out of my life.  Unfortunately, it only led me to use harder drugs and go to more parties.  In less then three months, I found myself pregnant and expelled from college.  I lived with Alexis' father until I was seven months pregnant, but he kicked me out until Alexis was born. 

I went backk to Buffalo and tried finding help.  I entered a program to try and get my life together, but I ended up in another bad, abusive relationship.  I was so messed up and isolated from the world that I thought that I could never get on track.  I knew that my daughter deserved better and that I had to get help for both of us, but I had no idea how.

Thankfully, a friend told me about Freedom Village- that they could help me.  I didn't have a way to get there or any money to pay the cost of my intake.  I didn't think there was any way that I would be able to go.  Surprisingly,  when I called, they wanted to do whatever it took to help me.  Two staff members drove to Buffalo to pick me and my daughter up, and a special supporter sponsored my intake.

I came to Freedom Village broken, with no self-worth and no clue how to be a mom. Now, after accepting Jesus into my life and taking the guidance from many ladies on staff, I know Alexis is being raised right. She is two year old now, loves life, and knows this is her home.

Since I have no financial support from my family, Adopt-A-Teen partners contribute to help keep Alexis and me here.  They help keep us clothed and meet all of our needs.  Praise God for the heart He gives people because I know that if it weren't for all of the supporters and the loving staff of Freedom Village, Alexis and I would have never gotten the second chance for life. What a gift. Thank you!