Our moms come from diverse socio-economic, cultural, religious, educational and family backgrounds.
Their experiences, stories and needs are as different as they are.
Some of them have finished school, some haven’t. Some are single, raising their children alone, some have support of some kind from their children’s fathers, and their own families. Some don’t. Some are in stable and happy relationships. Some are struggling financially to provide the very basics, some are managing okay.
Some are employed, some are looking for work, and some are focusing on raising their children for now.
Some have troubled families, in need of support and counselling. Some are from stable and safe homes.
Some need help and guidance with their parenting, some don’t.
None of them fit in the box labelled “Tragic Teenage Mother”. All of them are doing their best. All of them love their children. All of them are living different lives than the ones they may have planned. All of them have dreams for themselves and have expanded and grown those dreams to include their children. All of them have joined us to find someone who understands and accepts who they are.
Young Mom Support is about making sure they’re not doing it alone.
Most of the moms presently in our group are in their late teens, early twenties. We don’t have an age limit – anyone who considers themselves a “young mom” may join, no matter their personal circumstances.
We don’t offer formal counselling, just a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen. We can refer moms to relevant professionals if need be.
We are aware that there are very many much younger moms and pregnant girls out there who may not have the confidence or resources to reach out to us on their own, and hope that by becoming more visible in the community, they might hear about us and want to join.
Our children need strong, capable and positive mothers who feel in control of their lives – despite challenges and detours along the way.
I am convinced that the mothers in our group are well on their way.
