Finding Hope in Unexpected Places: Tiffany’s Story
The realities of hunger and homelessness were things Tiffany did not want her child to experience. So when she found herself engaged and in overwhelming debt, she left an unhealthy situation and did whatever she needed to do to take care of her family.
“We were so in debt in our finances that I was negative in my account…I found myself not affording my rent. I wasn’t getting any child support. I wasn’t getting government assistance. I wasn’t getting help with food. I wasn’t getting help with anything. Everything was from me.”
Knowing that life didn’t need to be like this, Tiffany searched for help. That’s when she found Shepherd’s Village.
“I prayed about it, and I said, ‘If it’s meant to be, then that’s what will happen.’ And then I see an email from Susan, and I just really thought I was having an out-of-body experience.”
Susan’s email was the start of the backup plan Tiffany was praying for. One email opened the door to meet with the Shepherd’s Village team and take steps into the next chapter of her life – a life that would be changed with housing but also a strong support network and unbreakable emotional connections.
Finding Family
Shouldering all the weight of single motherhood is exhausting and even isolating when you feel like others do not fully understand what you are going through. But at Shepherd’s Village, Tiffany quickly realized that she was part of a family. A family who understands her reality.
“It’s a relief to get here and to run into a mom, and they see that I have a trunk full of groceries. [They say] ‘Tiffany, do you need help? Are you sure?’ That’s what family is for. That’s what family does.”
Finding Confidence to Face Her Future
Tiffany can now breathe. She has found structure, balance, and the chance to create the life she wants for her and her child.
“Since being at Shepherd’s Village, for me, it felt like I could live again…The opportunity meant a lot and still means a lot to me. Just being able to show people that, ‘Yea, I’m a single mom and there’s only one income coming in this household, but I’ve got this.’”
You Can Find Life-Changing Resources
While not all single mothers need housing, all mothers need support. Shepherd’s Village provides a place for single mothers to flourish. A place where women can learn to face their future with confidence. It takes a village to raise children, especially in a single-parent household. We are that village!
If you’re a single mom, you may feel scared, lonely, and overwhelmed. But you are not alone. Your journey is meant to be walked with a tribe of people ready to support you.
Connect with our community. Enroll in our free, online curriculum through Shepherd’s Village University.Subscribe to our podcast, “It’s A Single Mom Thing.” Let us pray for you. All of these life-changing resources are at your fingertips, Mama! Help is here – you just need to take that first step and reach out.