Beacon Newsletter - Summer 2011
Working Mother's Education and Support Program
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Thelma Hawkins, Mother Advocate, pauses with Yone Davis to show off Yone's organizer. Yone explained how she has become better organized since enrolling in the program. |
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New Mother's Advocate, Maura Rolland (r) observes as Mother Advocate, Sherrelle Revell interviews Kadija Gee during her 1st monthly |
Lighthouse Ministries is proud to report that the Working Mothers' Education and Support Program (WMESP) continues to make a dramatic difference to families in Florence, often changing the lives and futures of the participants and their children.
Chanel Martin explained that her 4 year old displayed "awful temper tantrums and got kicked out of school a few times". Chanel used her newfound skills and an alternative non violent approach that she learned in the parenting classes to manage her child. In voicing the program's greatest benefit, Chanel said there is "less stress and more happiness in my household". Ada Antoine, program coordinator, added "You would not know that it is the same child".
JoAnne McPherson reported that she used the budgeting skills she learned to track her expenses and was able to pay off some bills including her car!
The WMESP is funded through grants received specifically for this program. Designed to prevent child abuse and neglect, the program consists of seven weekly Life Skills classes and six monthly money management interviews. During the six months of the program, mothers receive enough diapers, wipes, detergent, diaper rash ointment, lotion and baby wash to last a month.
Graduate, Sabrina Newton said, "It's a great opportunity to learn how to be the best parent possible and at the same time, helped with diapers for your child". The next class begins August 25. We are currently accepting new applicants. There is no charge for the program.
Make a difference for only 44 cents!
For only 44 cents (the cost of the postage stamp) you can help our Working Mothers' Education and Support Program! We purchase diapers and baby supplies for the mothers using funds from grants received in support of the program and use manufacturer's coupons to reduce the cost. So far this year we have saved almost $500.00 with coupons! Please take a moment to cut out the coupons and mail them to us or drop them off at our office. Any brand is useful. You will often find them in the coupon section of the Sunday newspaper.