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SALT LAKE CITY -- Getting through high school is hard enough, but teen mothers find that task even more difficult as they balance baby and schoolwork.
Today's High 5 recipient has made a difference in the lives of countless teen moms who struggle with the same difficulties she did.
Lee Butters is a mother of six. After getting her high school diploma in her 30s, she realized it's importance and knew she wanted to help teenage mothers do the same.
Teresa Chavez said, "She's been my advocate. She has been my friend. She has been a second mom."
Chavez is just one of those young mothers Butters has helped. She had her first child at 16 and wasn't sure how she would care for a baby and graduate.
"She has always been a big help for me," Chavez said. "She has always been there for me. She always … said, ‘Come on, Teresa, you can do it.'"
She's been my advocate. She has been my friend. She has been a second mom.
–Teresa Chavez
Butters said, "I tell them they can do anything they put their mind to. I tell them never doubt themselves, no matter what anyone tells them. They can do it. They can succeed and they can be successful."
For 20 years Butters has worked with Horizonte Instruction and Training Center and the Salt Lake Head Start program. Horizonte makes it possible for young mothers to attend school and get their high school diploma while Salt Lake Head Start offers education in a safe and nurturing environment for their young children.
Kathy Williams said, "I've worked with Lee for nearly 20 years now and I've never seen anyone more devoted to their job than Lee is. She loves the girls. She believes in the girls. She has spent her own money on things for the girls when they need them. She has brought in all kinds of resources for them. She goes way above and beyond."
"Just because they have made a choice in their life that may not have been the best choice, that's not a reason to give up on them," Butters said. "They can still succeed and be successful with the choices they have made."
Butters received a basket full of goodies and money toward her next set of tires from our High 5 partner Les Schwab.
If you would like to nominate someone for a High 5 who you think is making a difference, do so here.
