From difficult childhood to empowered mother of two.

Erica and Raymond dropped into the Mobile Clinic, both feeling a little nervous. They met with patient advocates who reassured them and offered them information and insight.

Erica shared that she had a difficult childhood... 

... having lived in foster care and surviving abuse. She described her wild teen years, numerous unhealthy choices, homelessness, and unplanned pregnancy.

Fortunately for Erica, she had found St. John’s Shelter where she got the help she needed to get her life back on track. She and her young son, Roman, entered programs at the shelter and Volunteers of America. Eventually they were able to move into their own apartment. 

It was there that Erica met Raymond.

In time their friendship blossomed and they married.

Erica and Raymond had come to the Sacramento Life Center with a suspected pregnancy which we were happy to confirm for them. Sadly, Erica miscarried, but maintained her relationship with her patient advocate at the Life Center.

At Christmastime, Life Center donors and their church community “adopted” the family and provided all the food, gifts, and trim for Erica, Raymond, and Roman to celebrate Christmas with the joy of the season.

Nine months later, a miracle arrived. Raymond Jr. was born to a happy, healthy family who had been blessed with support from agencies including the Sacramento Life Center. This network of agencies had come together to empower and strengthen Erica and Raymond’s family. These organizations were like puzzle pieces that when put together, had become a beautiful picture, a picture of hope that would carry Erica and her family into the future. ​