Together Toward Success: Juliana and Annika Work Together for Bright Futures

Juliana and Annika during “Day at the Capitol” field trip

Do you remember your best friend from high school? You might have even met in math class like Juliana and Annika! Their friendship began by sharing the same taste in music and sitting together at lunch, and they soon became each other’s biggest advocates. “It felt nice to be able to compare stories and understand each other,” Juliana says, “I would always pick her up and bring her to school because she never had a ride, and we’d push each other to be here.”

During the summer, Juliana, her partner, and her son, secured a safe and affordable apartment with the assistance of FloCrit’s Housing Department, who covered the first month’s rent and deposit. Shortly after, Annika moved in with her son, and together they have turned challenges into opportunities, raising their children and working side-by-side to create a path toward a successful future.

Juliana’s former Family Advocate, Lucia Barton-Diaz, describes their incredible journey, saying, “I’ve been fortunate enough to witness the growth of Julianna and Annika’s friendship over the past year…They have consistently held each other accountable and frequently reached out to me to support each other. They have attended various career development events, always making an effort to include each other and provide mutual encouragement.”

At Florence Crittenton Services, we consider the development of social capital and the formation of empowering friendships like Juliana and Annika’s as a part of the work we do to educate, prepare, and empower teen moms.