Building Resilience, One Family at a Time

A Generations Ahead alum shares her story

When 19-year-old Felicity Martines found out she was pregnant, her life changed overnight.

The mom-to-be was living in a camper in her parent’s backyard with no heat and no running water. Winter was coming, and she didn’t know where she and her baby would go. She was still learning to care for herself as she transitioned into adulthood and was not prepared to be a parent.

“I reached out because I needed help,” Martines says. “I didn’t know what else to do.”

That one decision—asking for help—changed the trajectory of her life and connected her to Generations Ahead (GA).

Generations Ahead offers free support services to pregnant and parenting teens and their infants, serving two generations at once. They provide support throughout the Grand Traverse region; services range from one-on-one mentorship to financial help and parenting programs.

“Our philosophy is that we put them in the driver’s seat,” explains Marjie Rich, the outgoing executive director of Generations Ahead. “They decide what their priorities are and how we can help them move forward.”

From Survival to Stability

Martines took the wheel at a time marked by emotional and physical abuse in her relationship. “I really leaned into the support from GA,” she says. “Being able to lean on the other parents around me was fulfilling.”

Generations Ahead worked quickly to connect Martines with housing through Northwest Michigan Action Agency NMCAA. Soon, she and her new daughter, Lucy, moved into a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment in Kalkaska.

“There was a crib. Diapers. Wipes. Towels. Dishes,” Martines recalls with emotion. “Everything was already there. It was amazing.”

Lucy is now almost three years old. Martines still remembers how it felt to walk into that apartment for the first time. A feeling of relief, safety, and the realization that she wasn’t alone anymore.

Making sure teen parents don’t have to walk alone is a priority for Generations Ahead. Rich says this sense of belonging is essential, especially because teen parents are often unseen in northern Michigan.

“They’re young, they’re vulnerable, and many don’t have family who can support them,” Rich said. “So, we walk alongside them.”

Beyond housing and baby supplies, Generations Ahead focuses on teaching life skills that build long-term independence. “There were so many things I didn’t know,” Martines says. “My electric bill, my rent, those kinds of things. They were willing to sit down and walk me through it.”

Over time, with the help of a mentor and support from Generations Ahead, Martines became and remains financially independent.

Growth & Lifelong Connection

After Lucy was born, Martines began attending every Generations Ahead event she could.

“I made it a priority,” she says. “I needed that connection, for me and for her. The other moms understood. I wasn’t explaining myself all the time.”

The connection led to friendship and a network of support and relationships Martines is confident will last forever. “I made friends. I still have those friends,” Martines says. “If I really needed something right now, I have six moms I can text. I still talk to these women.”

When she navigated a divorce, that support deepened. Although she was nearing the age limit for the program, Generations Ahead made sure she didn’t fall through the cracks.

“I was supposed to age out at 22,” she says. “Because of my situation, they kept me on longer. One of my social workers even wrote a witness statement for my divorce.”

Rich says that flexibility is intentional. “This work isn’t fast,” Rich explains. “We’re not putting a Band-Aid on something. We’re building resilience over time.”

Supporting the Whole Family

Generations Ahead also makes space for fathers, something Martines believes matters deeply.

“My relationship was toxic, but him having support from other dads was helpful,” she says. “It’s important we support fathers too. Someone made an effort with him—that mattered.”

In 2025, GA mentored and supported 88 parents, including 51 mothers, 17 fathers, and 20 alumni. They’re working on expanding their reach to fathers in the area.

“This organization is bigger than one person,” Rich said. “It’s about the families and making sure they’re supported long after they walk through our doors.”

Generations Ahead is currently winding down its 2024-2026 strategic plan and exploring future growth, including expanded reach into surrounding counties. A perfect time for transition, with a promising future ahead, according to Rich.

After years as executive director, Rich is preparing for retirement with confidence, not only in the organization she helped shape, but in the leadership that will carry Generations Ahead forward. Following a national search that drew 115 applicants, the organization has named Yarrow Brown, previously the director of local housing nonprofit Housing North, as its incoming executive director. Brown will step into the role in the coming months.

Building Confidence through Consistency

Today, Martines describes herself differently than she did when she first reached out for help. “I’m more confident now,” she says with pride. “I work hard.”

She balances DoorDash, housekeeping, and is in the early stages of starting her own painting business. She’s saving money. She’s planning for the future. She’s even working toward buying her own home, something that once felt impossible.

“My caseworker told me she felt confident leaving me on my own,” Martines says of graduating from Generations Ahead. “That meant everything to me.”

Martines doesn’t sugarcoat her journey when sharing her experience with others, but she doesn’t regret it either. It’s a part of who she is. “I wouldn’t change anything,” she says. “I’m pretty happy with my life right now.”

Her advice to other young parents is simple: to ignore the stigma and to step forward—if not for yourself, for your child.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she says, “not just from GA, but from the people around you. You don’t have to do this alone. Generations Ahead helped me figure my life out.”

To learn more, refer a teen parent, or to volunteer or donate, contact Generations Ahead at (231) 590-2262 or generationsahead.org.

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