My journey at The Hannah Center started in February of 1995. I had a number of issues in my home life, and it was no longer safe for me to remain there. My mother turned to my aunt, who lives in Pittsville, and she found The Hannah Center for us. I came to meet with Mari, and we all decided that it would be best for me to move to Marshfield. My aunt and uncle were fairly close, so if there was an emergency, they could come and help me if I needed it. I moved in shortly after my intake process, not really knowing what was in store for me in the coming months. I tried to settle in as best I could, and it was tough at first. I started school but was unable to continue attending classes due to pregnancy complications, so I was home-schooled for the remainder of the year. I spent many lonely nights, unable to sleep, scrubbing bathrooms and baby furniture and trying to forget my troubles. I had little support from members of my family, and my "situation" kept them from visiting me. My daughter's biological father was not in the picture, by his choice, and so I was going this alone. It was very hard to go to a new place, with no friends and little family contact, especially with range of emotions from my pregnancy. I was quite determined though, and I did the best I could with what I had at the time.I was the lone resident for awhile, and in that time, I developed a very special bond with Mari and Jer. I consider them my second parents, as they were there for me and took care of my when my own mother was unable to. They are the most wonderful, well-rounded, funny couple I have ever met! I remember many late-night trips to Target and Festival Foods, as well as the numerous clinic visits and trips to the birth center. I recall vividly how much Trouble (the Bohmans' dog) loved his "dog cookies," the iced oatmeal cookies he would "speak" to earn. I will remember forever my daugher, Cheyenne's birth, when Mari accompanied me at my C-section and celebrated her birth with me. Without these bonds, I don't know that I would have grown so much during my stay. I really do consider the whole Bohman family a big part of mine now. As I sit here writing this today, Cheyenne will turn 10 this week. I can hardly believe it has been that long since I lived with Mari and Jer. We have since joined my wonderful husband, Jeff, and our 6-year-old son, Gavin, at our beautiful home in Madison. We are also expecting another son, Dylan, who will join us in a few months. I started my own cheesecake company 5 years ago, which has become quite succesful. Through Devilishly Delightful Gourmet Cheesecakes Inc, I have tried to give back to The Hannah Center, through donations of cheesecake and gift certificates whenever they are needed. When Jeff and I have a few extra dollars, I send it. When we have children's clothes and toys the kids have outgrown, I send them. And in a few years, when Dylan has outgrown his crib, it will be placed in the back of our car and driven to Marshfield as well. I feel that it is only right to give back, even though I cannot possibly match what they have given to me over the years. Without the love and generosity that The Hannah Center staff and volunteers, as well as the many wonderful donors, I would not have been able to build the life that I have now.

Much love,

Kelly and Cheyenne