Jessie and Erika, like mothers everywhere, want to raise their children successfully. They want to provide a happy, healthy family life, security, education, a plan for the future -- and quality time together.

But what makes these goals even more challenging for Jessie and Erika is that they are young, single mothers, who still need to get their own education.

They need, perhaps, some help from the angels. And that is where Angels' Place comes in.

Angels' Place is a nonprofit, nonsectarian agency that offers a full range of family services to single, low-income parents who attend school on a full-time basis.

The young mothers are still teenagers and live in the South Hills. Among the services each mom and child receives are child care and early childhood education, parenting classes, counseling and assistance in meeting basic needs, such as food and clothing.

Typically, women use the program for two years, while pursuing an education or vocational skill.

Angels' Place has locations on the North Side, in Swissvale and in Brookline. The Brookline location, 600 Fordham Ave., is a renovated three-story apartment building and operates in a residential area. The program has been in operation since 1984.

This Saturday, Barnes & Noble at South Hills Village Mall will host a series of events to raise money for the organization.

Patrons are invited to shop for books using special vouchers, which can be obtained either at Angels' Place or the bookstore Saturday. A percentage of net sales made with the vouchers will be donated to Angels' Place.

The bookstore will host two story times, 11 a.m and 1:15 p.m.

Also, Patti Lawson, the author of "The Dog Diet,'' a memoir about how adopting a dog turned her life around, will be at the store with her dog, Sadie, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Singer Sandy Lusco will perform from 3 to 5 p.m.

Paul Kennedy, the author of "Billy Conn -- The Pittsburgh Kid,'' a book about the life of the local fighter, will be present from 4 to 6 p.m.

From 7 to 9 pm, Rick Seback, a producer and narrator for WQED, will speak.

Also, at 7 p.m., a drawing for a book signed by Jerome Bettis will be held. Any customer using a voucher to purchase books will be entered in the drawing.

Annette Aguiar, Angels Brookline program director, said that the charity relies heavily on donations for its operating expenses. The total operating expenses for the charity in 2006 were $967,334. These funds were raised through a combination of foundations grants, contributions and donated goods. These funds cover expenses like utilities and teacher salaries.

Angels' Place aids young mothers in a meaningful way, Ms. Aguiar said. Using the program provides a substantial financial benefit to the young mothers, since mothers are not charged for childcare or preschool services.

Most of the young mothers who use the services complete their education, Ms. Aguiar said.

"They learn that life is also really good, not just hard," she said.

Jessie and Erika's toddler children, attend preschool at the Brookline site, while their moms attend Community College of Allegheny County. Both study nursing.

In exchange, Jessie and Erika must achieve grades that are average to excellent, contribute two hours each week to help with various chores at the facility and attend a weekly one-hour parenting class, which covers topics like positive discipline and communication skills.

"The parenting classes are helpful," said Jessie. The mothers know they are in a safe environment, she said, so they feel comfortable discussing the problems they encounter in parenting their young children.

The facility works to create a sense of community and support.

"Parents in our program make a commitment," said Ms. Aguiar. Parents get to know each other, and the facility operates like a family, she said. This sense of support is important to many of the mothers, she said, because often they lack any outside family support.

"Everyone here is in the same situation, so we can all relate," said Erika.

The facility employs a cook, who prepares home-style breakfasts and lunches for the children. Holiday meals and parties are planned for children, parents and grandparents.

In addition to supporting education for young mothers, Angels' Place, which was recently accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, strives to eliminate the disparity in preschool experiences for low-income children.

Its preschool program emphasizes early literacy skills and age-specific curriculum designed to graduate children who are ready for success in kindergarten.

Because the preschool student to teacher ratio is low (currently the preschool program has seven students with four teachers), and because the childcare quality is high, said Erika, she feels comfortable leaving Shane at Angels' Place while she goes to class. "Compared to other places I looked at, this place offers great childcare," she said.

After they graduate, Jessie and Erika said they plan to secure nursing jobs with flexible hours.

The Brookline facility is always in need of gently used clothing, books and videos. For more, call 412-531-6667 or visit www.angelsplacepgh.org.