AUSTIN, Texas - Its a celebration thats more than a year in the making.

We are so excited to be opening our campus and being able to impact these families two generations at a time, said Shannon Moody, executive director of the Jeremiah Program.

More than 44,000 female-headed families live in poverty in Austin. The Jeremiah Program gives these families a place to live while the mom pursues higher education.

It's an approach that helps the kids too.

If we focus on just the mother, the children may not get the education needed to start kindergarten ready to be successful, said Moody.

Marissa Martinez, 19, says her move to the campus will take some weight off her shoulders.

People frown upon young mothers, and especially at 14. That was very, very young, you know what I mean? And people believed I couldnt do it, said Martinez.

Getting on campus wasnt easy. To live here, women face rigorous program criteria, followed by a 12-week personal empowerment course.

We invite them to move in to a beautiful two-bedroom apartment. We have early childhood education that starts at infant level and goes up to age four, said Moody.

With housing secure, Martinez says her sights are set on a college education in surgical technologya task made easier through Jeremiah.

Safe affordable housing for my sons and I while I get my degree and go to a university as well, said Martinez.

It's been an uphill battle of Martinez, but she has plenty of motivation.

I feel like my sons both know their mother tries. My oldest son knows my mommy goes to college and that shes trying. I hope to give them the sameI hope theyre better than me but I like to show them that I work hard for them.

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Jeremiah Program Gives Families Home to Help Rise Out of Poverty - TWC News