Beacon Newsletter - Fall 2007

Working Mothers Diaper Program

(WMDP), put a whole new meaning to the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. As a participant in the program, Lacey’s family and other families like hers have received parenting classes, money management training, diapers, wipes and hygiene products. The program is funded by the Children’s Trust Fund of South Carolina (CTFSC).

Lacey expressed tears of joy as she received her certificate of completion and a fifty-dollar gift card to Target. She conveyed her sincere gratitude for the opportunity to attend parenting classes where she learned most of the behaviors displayed by her children were not abnormal for their ages. She was also happy to learn that she was not alone in the emotions she was experiencing such as fatigue, stress or the desire to periodically shed a tear. “The six months supply of diapers, wipes and everything else that goes with them, and then all the help you all gave me. I just can’t tell you how much of a blessing you all have been”, she stated as she wept. She left the program feeling that words were not enough to express exactly how she felt. She asked her Pastor, Marvin Alexander, at Highway Christian Church of Christ No.1 to bake a cake. He hand delivered the beautiful, delicious, mouth watering, lemon glazed pound cake. This cake, which weighed at least five pounds and added just as many pounds to each staff member and volunteer who dared to eat a slice, may not have prevented any of the daily challenges facing these mothers. It did however help to cure any doubts of those associated with the program on how it can impact lives of mothers and their children.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Junior League of Florence supplement the program.

From October 2006 through September 2007 Lighthouse Ministries has had the opportunity to assist thirty five mothers through this program. CTFSC has renewed their support, which will allow Lighthouse Ministries to continue the program for another year assisting an additional fifty mothers.

Return to Main Newsletter Page