OUR STORY

I never imagined that becoming a mother at 16 would one day inspire the mission behind the Birdie & Bloom Foundation.

At just 15 years old, I found myself pregnant and on my own. I became a mother at 16 without any support and spent my early years navigating homelessness, abuse, and uncertainty while doing everything I could to provide for my baby.

Over the years, I raised seven children as a single mother while earning my GED, graduating from college with a 4.0 GPA, pursuing a bachelor’s degree, and eventually building a successful career in real estate. None of those accomplishments came easily, but each one taught me that difficult beginnings do not define our future.

What I remember most from those years isn’t just how hard they were—it’s how desperately I wished someone would simply come alongside me. Someone to encourage me. Someone to remind me I wasn’t alone. Someone to help meet the everyday needs that can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to raise a child. I knew I wanted to be that person for someone else.

That is why I founded the Birdie & Bloom Foundation.

Birdie & Bloom is deeply personal because I have lived many of the same challenges teen mothers face. My hope is that every mom we serve feels seen, supported, and reminded that her story is still being written—and that brighter days are ahead.

Today, my children are grown, thriving, and living proof that difficult beginnings do not determine how a story ends. They are, without question, my greatest success.

“I know what it’s like to wonder how you’re going to make it through another day. No teen mom should have to walk that journey alone.”

‍ ‍— Gia Commodore

‍ ‍Founder, Birdie & Bloom Foundation