Amid struggles with mental health, Madison dropped out of school at age 16 and began working a series of minimum-wage jobs.
At 21, she became pregnant. With a toddler in tow, she decided she wanted a better life for herself and her son. She saw that opportunity through education, and began her journey to earning her high school diploma through the Dr. Christine Davies Education Centre at First Steps.
Entangled in an unhealthy relationship, within a year Madison and her son lost their housing.
First Steps, a United Way-supported organization for pregnant and parenting young women, took them in, providing a welcoming and supportive environment that allowed Madison to earn her high school diploma.
This fall, she will begin the Early Childhood Education program at the New Brunswick Community College.
This brighter future for Madison and her son would not have been possible without the support of generous United Way supporters.