About 20 years ago, when I finally decided to leave SSS, it was because a counsellor told me of a program designed with me in mind. It was sponsored by the Texas Baptist Children's Home, called The Family Program, and created to help single moms get on their feet, support themselves and their children, and get counselling to improve self-esteem. The program is still going strong, though it has changed and evolved over the years.
At the time I was in it, it was a six-month commitment. I stored all my stuff, and moved myself and my two daughters into a huge room. We shared a bathroom, kitchen, washing machine, and living room with another struggling family. There was a set of houseparents, and a LOT of rules. The program supplied groceries, but we had to plan for a week, and only the very basics were available. I was in my element there, as I was already an expert stew and soup cook. We were not allowed to cuss, or spank our kids. We had to be in by 9:00 PM on weekdays, and 10:00 on weekends. The kids had to be in bed by 8:00. We could not bring in a babysitter. We had to have a job, or attend some sort of job training. We had to attend church. Didn't matter what church, as long as we went.
I was surprised how many women dropped or were kicked out of the program. For me, it was a Godsend! No dating for 6 months? Fine! Regular hours? Fine! Keeping a cleaner house than I had in a while? Fine! Having my kids get used to a routine? Fine, again!
Hearing everyone's stories? Priceless.
I will always be grateful for the chance at a life that they provided, with love and care, and a little bit of prayer.
What a great story. Thank you for sharing. I'm glad that it worked out so well for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's an excellent program. One of the biggest problems I've seen when relationships end, is that the woman feels so low that she thinks she needs a man to tell her she's desirable, etc. Hence, rebound relationships. Of all the good things TBCH did, helping me avoid that pitfall was the very best!
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