A Cross to Bear tells the unflinching and inspiring story of Erica, a would-be dancer with no family connections who finds herself fighting alcoholism and living on the streets with her newborn child after being left by her boyfriend. One ill-fated night, a tragic event shatters Erica's life. Traumatized and at rock bottom, she finds refuge at the home of Joan - a former nurse who has dedicated her life to helping women like Erica, Tina and Fae. Erica struggles to forge a new path for herself. As the cause of her personal hell is revealed, slowly, with the help of Joan's unique brand of tough love, the friendship of Tina, a former crack baby, and the guidance of other women who have found new beginnings at Joan's House, Erica finds the will to live and learns the redemptive power of forgiveness.