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The poverty rate for single-parent families, headed by mothers,
is almost six times higher than that of married-couple families. Children living
in a home headed by a single mother can be the most economically disadvantaged
of children since these mothers most often choose between buying food or providing
clothing, adequate housing, etc. for their families.
In Middle Tennessee, single mothers can find a bridge from
their present circumstances to self-sufficiency through TBCH Houses of Healing
and Hope. The program, launched in 1997, provides an apartment and counseling
for young mothers, and includes assistance with the life skills
needed for independent living such as goal setting, budgeting, education, transportation,
and employment.
For questions or to help this program, e-mail healingandhope@tbch4kids.org.
Whoever welcomes this little child in
My name welcomes Me..." Luke 9:48
For the mailing address and phone number of TBCH locations, see Contact
Us.
What the House of Healing and Hope Has Done For Me
In December of 2001, I was living in a tiny duplex in Nashville.
I was in the process of divorcing a really abusive man. I was working at a small
diner and barely making ends meet (usually by skipping a month on one bill to
pay another). An acquaintance of mine knew of the work on the
Brentwood campus with the House of Healing and Hope program. He asked if there was
a possibility of the home helping me out. From there, I met with the campus staff and
the wheels were set into motion.
Most people will never know what it is like to get the opportunity to start
fresh. For a year and half, I lived on the campus, rent and utility free. This
blessing allowed me to pay off old bills, and put my youngest son in a nice
daycare where he was not just baby-sat, but truly taught and encouraged on a
daily basis. I bought a decent car, went to college at night and graduated in
May of 2003 with a diploma in Computer Applications.
Now, I have a wonderful career with an international company and can actually
say I am a productive member of society. I cannot help but believe that without
the assistance I received from the Tennessee Baptist Children's
Homes' staff, none of this would have been possible. I would have ended
up in public housing and living off of government assistance.
The benefits of the program were not limited to the housing. My children had
access to the same privileges as the children in the cottages. Tutoring in the
afternoons, activities at the gym, and the party for the children every year
at Christmas are just a few. My children also have what I call their brand
new mother. That may be the best thing that the program has done for
them.
My prayers are that the Children's home can continue to provide this
assistance to more individuals in my situation or ones similar to it. Unless
you have been in the shoes of a single mother with little resources, you have
no idea how desperate things can be. I also would pray to be in a financial
situation where I can help support the program in the near future. So much has
been done for me and I want to return the blessing.
Anita
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toll-free: 800-624-8591