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Educational Support Program for Single Moms
Shared from the 3-15-18 - Port Arthur News
Empowerment, Not Entitlement for Single Moms
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. – Benjamin Franklin
When I met with Jackie I was amazed and impressed with her sacrificial attitude and her humility. She’s been taking care of others most of her life. When Jackie was twelve-years-old, her mother died. She had watched her mom cook and take care of the house and she wanted to help her father so Jackie took on the household responsibilities. She became the lady of the house while her father worked. She qualified for a program at Woodrow Wilson that allowed her to tutor other students. She even walked to Franklin Elementary where she assisted students who needed a little assistance. Then she walked back to Woodrow Wilson to meet her brother and they walked to Franklin to get their younger siblings after school.
Later her desire to be a social worker led her to attend Lamar University. She went when she could afford it. Against the odds she managed to earn sixty-hours towards a degree, but had to stop in 2010 due to lack of funds to cover the expenses. Sociology is her choice of study because she has had many life experiences when a social worker would’ve helped. And she can relate to others, as they will be able to relate to her.
We think it’s her turn to receive some assistance. She is the first candidate for the Educational Support Program, an initiative of The Community Coalition, a nonprofit formed in 2015.
Jackie is a mother of five and grandmother of four who gets by with very little income. Four of her five children still live at home and she is the legal guardian of a young grandson. It would be impossible for her to complete the degree without assistance. Jackie’s can-do spirit shows when she says, “I’m determined to go to school now more than ever because I am stronger in mind, body and spirit.” She exemplifies the single mothers that the Educational Support Program chooses to support while they work on a degree, usually an associate’s degree, for two years.
I have great admiration and respect for Jackie. I returned to college three times as a single mother and as an “older” student. (They considered anyone over twenty-three an older student.) As a result each time I was better equipped to contribute in my field of work. In Jackie’s case she wants to complete her degree in sociology so that she can give back to her community. She is already looking into possible job opportunities. The degree has to a practical end—a position as a Social Worker. And our area will benefit from her contribution. The example she will leave with her children is like ripples in the water. They, too, will be influenced by her perseverance.
Bridges of Hope Educational Support Program will make it possible for Jackie to complete her degree. This program supports a single mother for two years as long as she meets certain requirements. Single moms are carefully screened prior to acceptance. Participants receive: Financial Assistance, Life Coaching, Budget Guidance, Health and Wellness workshops, Spiritual Encouragement and Life Skills training. Other programs like this have proven successful and we look forward to the long-term “interests” our investment will pay. This is an empowerment, not an entitlement program. Our goal is to bring single moms across the bridge from dependency to independence and self-sufficiency. Together we will give single mothers a hand-up so they can graduate to a better life.
Gail Cawley Showalter, Director
Bridges of Hope Educational Support Program
http://www.thecommunitycoalition.com
Empowerment, Not Entitlement for Single Moms
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. – Benjamin Franklin
When I met with Jackie I was amazed and impressed with her sacrificial attitude and her humility. She’s been taking care of others most of her life. When Jackie was twelve-years-old, her mother died. She had watched her mom cook and take care of the house and she wanted to help her father so Jackie took on the household responsibilities. She became the lady of the house while her father worked. She qualified for a program at Woodrow Wilson that allowed her to tutor other students. She even walked to Franklin Elementary where she assisted students who needed a little assistance. Then she walked back to Woodrow Wilson to meet her brother and they walked to Franklin to get their younger siblings after school.
Later her desire to be a social worker led her to attend Lamar University. She went when she could afford it. Against the odds she managed to earn sixty-hours towards a degree, but had to stop in 2010 due to lack of funds to cover the expenses. Sociology is her choice of study because she has had many life experiences when a social worker would’ve helped. And she can relate to others, as they will be able to relate to her.
We think it’s her turn to receive some assistance. She is the first candidate for the Educational Support Program, an initiative of The Community Coalition, a nonprofit formed in 2015.
Jackie is a mother of five and grandmother of four who gets by with very little income. Four of her five children still live at home and she is the legal guardian of a young grandson. It would be impossible for her to complete the degree without assistance. Jackie’s can-do spirit shows when she says, “I’m determined to go to school now more than ever because I am stronger in mind, body and spirit.” She exemplifies the single mothers that the Educational Support Program chooses to support while they work on a degree, usually an associate’s degree, for two years.
I have great admiration and respect for Jackie. I returned to college three times as a single mother and as an “older” student. (They considered anyone over twenty-three an older student.) As a result each time I was better equipped to contribute in my field of work. In Jackie’s case she wants to complete her degree in sociology so that she can give back to her community. She is already looking into possible job opportunities. The degree has to a practical end—a position as a Social Worker. And our area will benefit from her contribution. The example she will leave with her children is like ripples in the water. They, too, will be influenced by her perseverance.
Bridges of Hope Educational Support Program will make it possible for Jackie to complete her degree. This program supports a single mother for two years as long as she meets certain requirements. Single moms are carefully screened prior to acceptance. Participants receive: Financial Assistance, Life Coaching, Budget Guidance, Health and Wellness workshops, Spiritual Encouragement and Life Skills training. Other programs like this have proven successful and we look forward to the long-term “interests” our investment will pay. This is an empowerment, not an entitlement program. Our goal is to bring single moms across the bridge from dependency to independence and self-sufficiency. Together we will give single mothers a hand-up so they can graduate to a better life.
Gail Cawley Showalter, Director
Bridges of Hope Educational Support Program
http://www.thecommunitycoalition.com
Journey with me on the path through single motherhood. Identify with my stories and learn ways to make your crooked places straight. The book can be read independently or used in a group as a study guide.
I'm available to teach your group.
I'm available to teach your group.
Living Learning Loving
by Gail Cawley Showalter
Comments from a reader
I learned several new strategies that have already made my life easier, such as discovering where I fall in the four personality types. Based upon the description chart in the book, I am a choleric and my daughter is a phlegmatic, which explains A LOT about the root of our conflicts. Simply put, this means I am constantly trying to do and be more, and because of that, I tend to push my daughter too much when her personality requires more peace at home. Discovering this helps both of us to have much more harmony at home. Thank you for that insight and many others, Gail! - Nicole
When my three children were preschoolers my marriage to their father fell apart. I was devastated. Over time I revamped my life, raised my children, and developed really strong soul stamina. Now, it is my desire to be there for other women, sharing what I learned.
by Gail Cawley Showalter
Comments from a reader
I learned several new strategies that have already made my life easier, such as discovering where I fall in the four personality types. Based upon the description chart in the book, I am a choleric and my daughter is a phlegmatic, which explains A LOT about the root of our conflicts. Simply put, this means I am constantly trying to do and be more, and because of that, I tend to push my daughter too much when her personality requires more peace at home. Discovering this helps both of us to have much more harmony at home. Thank you for that insight and many others, Gail! - Nicole
When my three children were preschoolers my marriage to their father fell apart. I was devastated. Over time I revamped my life, raised my children, and developed really strong soul stamina. Now, it is my desire to be there for other women, sharing what I learned.
A Heart for Women
Gail C. Showalter
Hello, I am glad you found my site.
I’ve experienced life’s transitions on many levels and am here to assist you, to coach you or guide your group through your times of change.
You, like most women, probably like to have someone who can relate to your situation. My goal is to walk women like you through tough times.
I’ve experienced life’s transitions on many levels and am here to assist you, to coach you or guide your group through your times of change.
You, like most women, probably like to have someone who can relate to your situation. My goal is to walk women like you through tough times.
Download Chapter 1 - FREE
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A Book Review
Although I'm not a mother, married or single, I'm grateful for receiving Gail Showalter's book as a gift. As I read it I realized this isn't strictly for single mothers but for anyone looking to navigate life's challenges through Gail's experience raising three children as a single mother. It's uplifting, inspiring and common sense advice that can be applied to men, women and even young adults starting out on an indepent life. I believe your mistakes in life are life lessons that you learn from. Gail has made it less complicated by sharing her experiences and hope- fully you'll learn for her hiccups in life and avoid some of the same pitfalls we all face daily. I will be continually referring to her book. It's a timeless, well written aid that you will wear out rereading passages over the years. -Debbie K.
Although I'm not a mother, married or single, I'm grateful for receiving Gail Showalter's book as a gift. As I read it I realized this isn't strictly for single mothers but for anyone looking to navigate life's challenges through Gail's experience raising three children as a single mother. It's uplifting, inspiring and common sense advice that can be applied to men, women and even young adults starting out on an indepent life. I believe your mistakes in life are life lessons that you learn from. Gail has made it less complicated by sharing her experiences and hope- fully you'll learn for her hiccups in life and avoid some of the same pitfalls we all face daily. I will be continually referring to her book. It's a timeless, well written aid that you will wear out rereading passages over the years. -Debbie K.
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Review on Amazon
I just finished reading the book Living, Learning, Loving. WoW, despite the fact that I am in my 50's and raised two boys on my own I found myself wishing I would have had this book much earlier in my life. From her pragmatic advice to her numerous exhortations it caused me to recall a beautiful time in my life raising my kids as a single parent. It has inspired me to reach out to help others just beginning this journey. I would advise anyone to read this book, even if you have already raised your kids. You will not be sorry. -An Amazon Customer
Click here: Interview podcast with Gail "Help! I'm a Single Mom" on "Chained No More" Radio with Robyn Besemann
Endorsements
Gail has been passionate about single moms and the challenges they face for many, many years. Having been a single parent herself, she is quite familiar with the unique struggles and joys of raising children without the consistent help of a spouse. Gail's ministry has been continuous and effective throughout the years, and has become one of the leading thinkers and voices for ministry to single moms in the United States. |
Today, I want to share with you an encounter I had with an amazing person. Handsome couple, she and her husband, professional people, seemed to "have it all." Consistent with what we read about ways to stay grounded in life, this lady was laser-focused on a purpose. Not a whim, not "purpose of the week" or "subject to change." HER purpose: Mentoring single moms. |
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