Individuals who face homelessness live out their own narrative. Family history, belief systems, social, health, marital and financial status are factors that would bring a unique story to that experience. Morgan is one of the oldest residents LTP has housed thus far. She is a mother of four, a medical assistant and a woman who is determined to not allow this turning point to deter her family’s needs and goals.
“I lost my place because I couldn't pay the rent due to an unpaid maternity leave. I was able to live with my youngest children’s father and his mother. Although I am very grateful for their help, it wasn’t the best environment.”
To a single mother, the “best environment” equates to a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment. That is what she found at Life Turning Point of Philadelphia.
“I moved here in February 2024, and it's been okay. I am 31 years old, and there are times I go through the motions about how the thirties are supposed to be easier and I should have my life together. However, my children and I are in a safe environment, around other moms, and I do not have to worry about the uncomfortableness about being around men as often because men are not allowed on the property. It was scary when I moved in. I have never been in a shelter or a transitional housing program before. It is not easy finding somewhere you can afford with four children.”
Once Morgan was accepted into the program, she had time to breathe. However, most women during the first month look around with open eyes, feeling confined mentally, emotionally, and physically; even overwhelmed with the expectations and structure.
“Yes, it’s really hard. I don’t want a curfew; not to say I want to stay out all night, but I don’t want anyone to tell me what time I need to be home. In my own home, there are days I want to leave dishes in the sink. I joke with staff, saying that when I leave I am going to leave dishes in my sink for a week…because I can!”
As a woman in her thirties not having a home to call her own for two years, Morgan was temporarily restricted from maneuvering and making decisions, as she would in her own place - and that can include discovering who you are outside of the identity of being a mother.
“I am working on healing regarding relationships. For the majority of my life, I have jumped from relationship to relationship. That is part of the reason I am here. I never put myself first. I have not healed from my childhood relational trauma, but I have done some trauma work with the counselor here. I am trying to take a break from my past experiences - and take a break for myself. I need to be happy. I want to be comfortable and secure internally. It is important as moms that we remember that we are human and we have needs too.”
While we have to be good moms, it is just as important to make time for ourselves; otherwise, we will get lost along the way. In relationships, I give everything to where there is nothing left, and at the same time, I give all of myself to my children. On this journey, I want to make sure I don’t get completely lost in these two areas of my life. I don’t want to love less; I just need to learn how to balance it all.”
Morgan has completed one-third of her program requirements approaching this fall season, which is a big deal to reach this milestone. As she grows spiritually, mentally and emotionally, she has more she wants to accomplish.
“My finances are my number-one goal. Budgeting has been one of my biggest struggles my entire life. My long-term goal is to have my own home, get a work- from-home job, and go back to school to become an ASL translator and interpreter. Most importantly, my youngest child is deaf, and I want her to attend Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. She is presently receiving speech therapy from PSD at her daycare. I don't want her to get lost in the traditional classroom structure, so to secure future enrollment at PSD is important to me.”
As we began to wrap things up with our time with Morgan, she shared her final thoughts about the LTP program: I think the program is great. I am grateful that there is something like this in Philadelphia. There is tons of help but not enough for single moms. I love the staff: they are supportive, and you always have someone to talk to. When you are having a difficult day, they are there. I’m going to miss that the most when I leave.”
In closing, Sis. Rita says this about Morgan, “When Morgan comes home, she loudly pronounces,‘Hi, LTP family!’ When she was asked why she said this, “’Because it's peaceful here, and the girls really care about each other. We are in this together - and I like it here!’”
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