My name is Annie and I am the mother of Rhett, a 15 month old baby boy, born last July. When I had Rhett, I had just moved to Red Wing to live with my mother and was emotionally and physically unprepared to take care of a baby. Due to previous circumstances in my life, I was having a really hard time taking care of myself, and did not think I could take care of a child. I knew nothing about babies. I was never a babysitting kind of girl, I never changed a diaper. To be honest, I didn’t really like kids. They made me a little nervous. But through the love and support of my family and friends, I set out on the journey of being a mother.

New Beginnings was suggested to my mother from a friend at church. I called Cathy and made an appointment and started going when Rhett was just weeks old. I immediately warmed to Cathy and set out to start the Earn While You Learn program. After awhile I started working with Ronda, and both women have been instrumental in helping me learn to be a mother. Both women are mothers themselves, and serve as support and a sounding board for me. The educational videos have helped me learn about everything from giving Rhett a bath, to discipline, to how to pick a babysitter. There are videos on every aspect of being a parent, and I think children deserve parents that are willing to learn with them.

I think that people can have an unrealistic view of New Beginnings and the reality is much different than what they think. There is no preaching, no extremes of any kind, just a lot of love and support. There have been times, more than a few, when I have been exhausted, mentally, emotionally, and physically worn out, but going into New Beginnings gave me a place to take a break, and have someone listen that knows what it's like to be exactly where I am at.

Having Rhett has changed everything in my life. I have a new reason to get up every day, to work hard, and to live each day to the fullest. I know that he is a gift that has been given to me!

When you become a parent, how you spend your time changes. Sleep is a luxury that sometimes you don’t get. If you don’t have a lot of patience, you learn to get it. As a single mother, I have to think more about who I bring into my son’s life, and about how I spend my money. Everything changes, but it's all for the better!