Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/481579
March/April 2015 17 SINGLE PARENT FAMILY PROGRAM PROFILE "Graduate" Angelina (Weatherford, Texas) What circumstances led you to PCHAS? Homelessness, anger, poor decisions. How long have you been (or how long were you) in PCHAS' Single Parent Family Program? Two years and four months. What do you think your life would have been like if you'd never learned about the PCHAS Single Parent Family Program? I would probably still be homeless. This pro- gram has helped me tremendously with my anger problems. When I first arrived at PCHAS, I was mad at the world, but with Ms. Sharon's [social worker and director of the Single Parent Family Program in Weather- ford] help, and the right tools, my life has totally changed. Have you experienced anything (or learned anything) in the program that has made an impact on you? Yes, how to cope with my anger problems. When I first moved here, I was so negative and depressed. I'm a walking example of change. Has your child experienced anything (or learned anything) in the program that has made an impact on him? Yes, my son loves the friends he has made here. He has learned the importance of sharing and how to share. Can you describe what your life is like now? I attend Weatherford College and I am one semester away from getting my associates' degree! I work out on a regular basis and have lost 40 pounds in the last seven months. I'm a lot more energetic and happy. My attitude has completely changed. What challenges did you face before you entered the PCHAS Single Parent Family Program? I had a rocky relationship with my mother. Since living here, she and I have made amends and moved forward to a growing, healthy relationship. What challenges do you face now? I struggle with time management. Can you describe a PCHAS staff member or volunteer whom you have met in the PCHAS Single Parent Family Program? Ms. Sharon is a very loving person. She has taught me a lot since I entered the program. She also knows when to put her foot down when things have gotten too far out of hand. She has been a blessing in my life! If you were to meet a single mom in your situation, what advice would you give her? Keep moving forward and do not look back. Things might be hard now, but they can only get better. Just trust in your faith and in God; God will handle the rest. S INGLE PARENT FAMILY PROGRAM PROFILE "Graduate" Brianna (San Antonio, Texas) How did you first learn about PCHAS' Single Parent Family Program? I was living in a shelter, and I was going through the resources available with my social worker there. I saw the infor- mation on PCHAS, so I asked her to call for me. What circumstances led you to PCHAS? I was living with my mom, and things did not work out. I wound up at the shelter. But it was too hard to earn a decent wage with my job while I was at the shelter. Has your child experienced anything (or learned anything) in the program that has made an impact on her? Yes, getting my daughter's bedtimes on a schedule. It is impossible to do that at the shelter, where you share a room with another family. It's better here at the Single Parent Family Pro- gram residence because I have the free- dom to focus on that. Also, living here means that I can provide more nutri- tious meals for my daughter. I can cook healthy meals for her instead of relying on fried foods. What challenges do you face now? Finding insurance. I have to start all over in Texas whereas I was already established in Washington. Here's What You Can Do The only way to ensure that more women and children have a safe place to live is to lend your ongoing support to programs that work to end homelessness and its related issues. In addition to supporting PCHAS, look to your community to help end this problem. Be mindful of the ways this issue disproportionately affects women, particularly women of color. Learn how to volunteer with or donate to PCHAS's Single Parent Family Program at www.texas.pchas.org. You can make a donation online http://texas.pchas.org/individuals/. The annual National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week will be held November 14–22, 2015. Contact a food pantry, homeless shelter or related social service agency in your community to find out what you and/or your PW group can do to address the interconnected issues of poverty, hunger and homelessness. Visit http://nationalhomeless.org/about-us/projects/awareness-week for more details. T