When I first came to Taking Charge! I was so cold and standoffish. I couldn’t stand people and kept my distance. I’d wake up with a salty attitude every morning and be set off by minor things. Until in Rediscovering Myself, I learned to train my brain to be different and understand the importance of connection. It was hard to leave this class and move to Taking Charge! of Opportunities, but our instructor made me feel welcome and open to the personal development I so badly needed.
I’ve learned so much about myself and why I react the way I do. I’ve learned that I can respond differently now, and I have the tools to do just that. I am more patient and understanding of others, and my kids notice my difference. I’ve set boundaries with others and stuck with them. This makes me feel so good. I’ve learned that I am very caring and empathic and put others before myself – I’m learning to pay more attention to my own needs.
Through the support of donors, we work with participants to create personal development, academic and career plans to track their journey to become self-sufficient and empowered. Donor support helps women like Lynn succeed and helps single parents like Lynn demonstrate their commitment to creating a life they can be proud of.
The people I have in my life now make me feel so grateful to be who I am. Being in Taking Charge! has allowed me to meet some amazing women. The other participants are so supportive, and the instructors make Taking Charge! so welcoming and safe.
Lynn’s story is not uncommon for many single parents and women who come to Taking Charge! seeking to break the cycle of poverty and reclaim their identity. Through donor support it helps more single parents and women learn to dream.
There were some hard days when I might have quit in the past, but with the support of my Career Counsellor, who helped reassure me and ground me again, I could continue forward. I have many ideas about my future and am excited to keep moving through the program. I want to upgrade my Math skills and learn how to drive. It’s time to get a vehicle and have a career in which I will be happy.
Taking Charge! offers single parents subsidized daycare while they attend programming. Childcare is the most significant barrier for single parents to return to education or seek out employment. At Taking Charge!, we break down barriers so participants can focus on their goals. In addition to daycare, Taking Charge! provides participants personal development programming to ensure a solid emotional foundation is built while they embark on their educational and career goals.
I have so much to look forward to now. It makes me so excited to break the cycle of poverty my family experienced. I may not be able to change the world, but I can change myself and show my children the possible changes.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
– Lynn
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