Kaleshia Sostre is a 28-year-old mother of three. The young mother from Red Hook had her first son, Kaymel, at 19.  She recalls her worries during her first pregnancy.

“Being judged as a young parent, struggling financially, and just having a stable home for my child,” said Sostre. 

When she gave birth, her maternal instincts kicked in. 

“When my son came into the world, I realized how much I loved him and I just wanted something better for him.”

She found the Alex House Project, a non-profit that supports young mothers and fathers, especially people of color, by making sure they have what they need to be the best parents they can be.

The organization was started in 2013 by Samora Coles. 

Initially, it hosted meetings for young parents to give them a space where they could speak about the challenges they face and to find support in one another. Now, the non-profit offers everything from education, employment resources, providing household or child care necessities. 

The organization is named after Coles’ son. Back in 1992, Coles was just 19-years-old when she had her son, Alex. 

“I did go to my guidance counselor to confess to her, ‘I’m pregnant. What do I do.’ She gave me an ultimatum, I need to choose, whether I’m going to be a parent or student, so I’m like, ‘OK, how do I choose that,’” said Coles.

Her experience lead Coles to create TAHP. Through the organization, she’s connected with many young parents like Sostre and others who have gone through something similar.

“When they provided me with that support it was just like checking on me, making sure that they help me find the resources to get housing,” said Sostre.

Now, Sostre, nearly a decade after finding support through the group, is employed by the organization, helping other parents. Her experiences help her help others.

“I feel like it’s because I’ve been in those shoes already,” said Sostre.

The organization has programs and events year round. The next event is the third annual From Momma’s Hands Virtual Fundraiser.

Sostre told NY1 the message she would share with her younger self and the message she shares with others: “Don’t give up. Just keep moving forward. You’re going to go through things, but that doesn’t mean you’re not going to get through it.”

Correction: An earlier version of this article excluded the word "House" from "The Alex House Project" in the headline.