Angie Jones, Parent Educator (District 2)
I am rooting for Alexis. She is a 29 year old single mother of 2 children. Alexis receives SSI due to several medical conditions. I came to know her when she attended my “Increasing Your Self Esteem” class through the Strive to Thrive University. As she told me in the class, “I have just learned to accept that bad things happen to me in life.” Sadly, Alexis has been taken advantage of by those who were supposed to be looking out for her. The father of her children left her when she was pregnant with her youngest child. He has been physically, verbally, and emotionally abusive to her, and although he works full time and makes good money, he refuses to pay child support. Alexis says that she is afraid to make him upset- as he threatens to take her children away from her.
After much talking and coaxing, I finally convinced Alexis that she needs to make some changes and introduced her to agencies who will help her in her circumstances. In addition, Harvest Family Ministries assisted Alexis with applying for SNAP (Food Stamps) and Family Independence, and has also helped her with diapers. I have accompanied Alexis to child support hearings and try to assist her in an way I can. Many times I attempted to give a box of food to her, but she adamantly refused stating that we had already done too much for her. I have observed personally what a caring and loving mother that Alexis is. She has a kind heart and just wants the best for her children.
I know that we sometimes take for granted the impact that our organization has on the people we serve. I was so humbled when I received a text from Alexis saying, “I want to thank you for all the help that you have given me and for being a good friend to me. It makes me want to cry, I never had someone that wants to help me so much.”
My hope is that Alexis will one day see that she does deserve good things to happen to her. She has definitely had an impact on my life.
