My husband and I moved into Orange County about two years ago, and from day one, God began to open my eyes about what’s going on beneath the surface of all the glitz and glam- it’s hard to financially survive here as a dual income parent. I couldn’t imagine how hard it would be for a single, TEEN parent. God began to show me the immense need for support for teen and single parents in our area. I began to meet kids first hand and see all they were juggling between finishing school, working a job, and being a parent… so many tasks were overwhelming to do alone. God began to speak to my heart about coming alongside these amazing heroes and helping lift a bit of the burden for them as they work to succeed for themselves and their kids. I didn’t know exactly where to start, but I prayed steadfastly about what He would have me do. Shortly afterwards, a friend introduced me to Myrna from North OC YoungLives, and I knew immediately that this incredible program was the gift God wanted to give to our city and these parents!

Myrna asked me to teach a few parenting classes and meet the teens at the schools, and my heart continued to grow for them as I heard their stories and their daily struggles. This program is an answer to prayer for so many students and I’ve been honored that I can play a small part as a mentor and class instructor. This year, my husband and I are branching off to begin a new church, and our heart from the beginning has been to continue to connect and encourage our single parent community. As I began to share the need and the vision to our team, their hearts began to swell as we shared the stories of what many of these amazing kids are overcoming daily. All of them wanted to help in some way. Some were passionate about putting the gifts together, others gave financially, and still others wanted to serve.