Martina was 17 years old and four months pregnant when she came to The Corner for prenatal care. "From the beginning," Martina says. "I was very comfortable here. I knew that everything I said was confidential. This was not like any other clinic I had ever been to."

Cuddling Kameron, she adds, "It's hard to have a baby at my age but I love him so much.” Martina lights up when she talks about her son, a smiling wide-eyed baby just itching to walk. She says when Kameron learned how to play patty-cake Martina was happy to see that landmark listed on the child development materials provided by The Corner Health Center.

Martina has continued to rely on The Corner Health Center for Kameron's health care as well as her own. She returns for Kameron's regular check-ups, takes part in the WIC program, talks with a Corner social worker when she needs a helpful ear, and participates in the Mom Power! program, an educational program for teen moms.

When asked about the future, Martina says proudly, “to complete my GED, attend college and become a kindergarten teacher.”

"Hi, my name is Brooke. I am 22 years old and have come to The Corner Health Center since I was 17. I first came to The Corner because I had no insurance and felt really bad. Turns out I had a bad case of the flu. A couple of years ago I started feeling depressed beyond belief. Again, The Corner took me in and helped me even without health insurance, which later, The Corner helped me get. The Corner’s social worker helped me deal with some of the family problems I had. The psychiatrist gave me some medicine to treat my depression. I don’t know where I would be today without The Corner’s help!"

Robin’s immediate family is anything but helpful. Her father is an alcoholic who also abuses other drugs. The last time Robin stayed with her father, he and her teenage brother snorted cocaine together in the living room. She was so disgusted that she found another place to sleep that night. A few months ago, Robin’s mother’s boyfriend was charged with a felony and the two of them disappeared.

Robin, 21, began using The Corner four years ago for primary health care, contraception, and crisis counseling. With points earned for receiving preventive services, Robin “purchased” a gift card to an area store where she could buy some household essentials. She also received surplus or donated food from the small food pantry. The social worker describes Robin as tenacious and “a true survivor.” In the last five years, Robin has found employment and affordable housing. She also ended an abusive relationship, developed a positive work ethic, and used birth control consistently. Robin is working every day to make healthier choices.