Deep Roots 2024

At Terra, we are honoured and deeply grateful to have the support of dedicated community members who believe in our mission and in the potential of the young people we work with. The generosity of time, talent, and treasure from our supporters directly impacts Terra’s ability to respond to the changing needs of teen parent families in our community. 

This year’s Deep Roots was a heartfelt tribute to those who have made meaningful contributions to our mission of supporting Edmonton’s teen parent families. Guests were treated to an evening filled with inspiration as they met ten Terra participants who were awarded post-secondary scholarships to help them on their continuing journey to strengthen their families’ futures. 

With the recent completion of our building renovations, attendees also had the chance to explore the newly designed spaces dedicated to supporting teen parents and their families. As a special token of our appreciation, each guest had their name beautifully handwritten on an ornament by talented artist and calligrapher, Justine Ma, creating a memorable keepsake from the event. 

Video: Jenny shares some of the impact that Terra’s donors have had in her life.

Scholarship Awards 

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we had the privilege of awarding post-secondary scholarships to ten Terra participants. Each recipient was presented with a $2,500 scholarship in recognition of their determination and commitment to pursuing education. These scholarships represent not just financial support but a belief in the potential of these young parents as they work towards their future goals. 

Upon reflection I’ve learned responsibility, organization, self care, prioritization, empathy, and resource management. All things that I think would help me in school and later on a career in accounting.

I wanted to pursue higher education in order to gain knowledge to contribute to my self improvement. With the help of my workers I was able to explore options and find something I was going to find fulfillment in and be able to give my child the stability I desire to give her throughout her life.

Past challenges have allowed me to build a strong exterior and take on daily stressors with a positive attitude. This next step in my journey will allow me to mature into a professional in the work force.

Leaving Terra, I carried not just hope, but a newfound resilience that continues to light my path. I will use the scholarship to continue my hard work and dedication, ensuring the values and lessons I learned at Terra guide me every step of the way. 

I want to prove to myself and my family and my daughter that I am worth it. I can do it. I can prove to everyone I am strong, I’m worthy, and I think it would be a good thing for her (my daughter) to watch.

I am a strong minded, young woman who reminds myself of affirmations to help me mentally prepare myself for the day, or simply my next chapter in life. I’m proud of every challenge I’ve faced, and will keep overcoming my obstacles as nothing will stop me from pursuing my dreams.

My teachers have been some of the biggest influences on who I am as a person, especially my music teachers over the years.

The war in my country and me moving from one country to another has made me stronger and more resilient.

We worked closely with our worker and my husband and I credit all our accomplishments as young adults to her unwavering dedication to see us succeed. Her words of encouragement inspired me to finish my first degree at Concordia University of Edmonton despite the many barriers I encountered.

I am proud to be Indigenous, as I have learned to persevere like my ancestors before me. These experiences have instilled in me a resilience and determination that will undoubtedly support me in pursuing my degree in Criminology and ultimately achieving my goal of attending law school.