Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
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18 SINGLE PARENT FAMILY PROGRAM PROFILE "Graduate" Nicole (Weatherford, Texas) What circumstances led you to PCHAS? I have bipolar disorder and had lost my job. I was l iving in a hotel. How long have you been (or how long were you) in PCHAS' Single Parent Family Program? I lived there 17 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 have been homeless. I had no other options. What do you think your child's life would have been like if you'd never learned about the PCHAS Single Parent Family Program? I would have had to give my daughter to my mother and stepfather, and that would have been a very difficult thing for me to do. Have you experienced anything (or learned any- thing) in the program that has made an impact on you? Yes, I learned not to judge people. Not everyone has the same values as I do. Has your child experienced anything (or learned anything) in the program that has made an impact on her? Yes; she used to be very shy and now she is very outgoing. Can you describe what your life is like now? I have a job and a home. And while I still struggle with depression, I am a much stronger person. What challenges did you face before you entered the PCHAS Single Parent Family Program? Dealing with life in general was very hard for me. What challenges do you face now? I still struggle with daily life, but know now I have the support I need to get through the difficult times. Can you describe a PCHAS staff member or vol- unteer whom you have met in the PCHAS Single Parent Family Program? Sharon Chevalier is the most spiritual and kindest person I know. She has helped me in so many ways, I cannot begin to describe the positive changes she has made in my life. Left: Mary Plail, a member of St. John's Presbyterian Church, helps coordinate volunteer work for the Single Parent Family Program. Right: A playground on the Single Parent Family campus in Houston gives children a convenient, safe outdoor play area. More than 200 Presbyterians and guests gathered in November 2014 to celebrate the dedication of the Houston campus and program. "It is amazing what God can do when Christians come together," said Beth Flowers, a PCHAS volunteer and supporter. "PCHAS is deeply grate- ful to the churches, foundations and individuals who chose to support this project and continue to keep it in their daily prayers." Margaret Barry is director of communications for Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. Notes 1. National Coalition for the Homeless, "Homeless Families with Children," NCH Fact Sheet #12, August 2007, 1; www.nationalhomeless.org/publica- tions/facts/families.pdf; accessed February 20, 2015. 2. Ibid.