Woody Medeiros, Director of Grandma’s House is retiring. Woody has been an advocate for Teen Mothers since her own teen daughter became a mom. “When my daughter was 16-year-old she had a baby boy. There weren’t a lot of resources at that time and we found that there were other pregnant teens that were homeless. We opened our home to any pregnant teen in need of support and two girls moved in with us long-term. One was 14 years old, her son was born the same year as my grandson. The other mom was 17, she chose adoption for her son. These women are still like daughters to us and their children think of us as grandparents. My grandson is now 29 and is a teacher at Marshal High School. One of our current residents is in his class. She often comes home excited to tell me, “Mr. Johnson says he loves you!” Everybody does! Woody has touched hundreds of moms and babies and everyone that has had the pleasure to work with her over these nearly 30 years. She will be missed!
Woody started with Grandma’s House in 1992 as a volunteer. Over these years Woody has used her heart and talent to advocate for pregnant teen moms who cannot advocate for themselves. She has developed community partners and long-term relationships with the region. Woody believes that if you give youth positive support and the tools to build a life, you guide them towards a future most never knew was possible. Woody has served numerous community organizations: Parents of Teen Parents, Homeless Leadership Coalition, one-night shelter count, Project Connect, and others.
Woody’s favorite quote is by Liam Neeson: “Everyone says love hurts. That’s not true. Loneliness hurts. Rejection hurts. Losing someone hurts. Envy hurts. Everyone gets these things confused with love, but in reality, love is the only thing in this world that covers up all the pain and makes someone feel wonderful again. Love is the only thing in this world that does not hurt.” Thank you Woody for your pure heart and dedication to these young girls that desperately needed the support of you and Grandma’s House.