Stability for Young Mothers

Rema & Luvly Johnson- Program Alumni

As an alumni, I believe the Cottage House is important for Life Turning Point to have in place because some young mothers who come through the program need more support than others like I did.

I grew up in foster care where I experienced physical and emotional abuse so I didn't have a family I could fall back on. I also hadn't been taught some of the skills I needed to live on my own.

During my time there the staff taught me things like how to pay bills, maintain a home, budget my money. I learned how to make business calls effectively and take care of the responsibilities that came with being a single mother with a young child. I also struggled with time management and remembering appointments. Those might seem like small things, but when you're trying to keep a roof over your head, while healing from childhood wounds those things can become overwhelming very quickly. 

For me, it wasn't that I wasn't capable. It meant that I needed a little more time, guidance, and support before I was completely on my own. And without that support I received, I could have struggled to the point of becoming homeless again.

That's why I believe the Cottage House is very important for the families there now. It will give single mothers and their children a place to continue to receive case management, build the confidence and skills to maintain stability, while living independently.