AUSTIN, Texas - Its a celebration thats more than a year in the making. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
It's an approach that helps the kids too. <\/p>\n
If we focus on just the mother, the children may not get the education needed to start kindergarten ready to be successful, said Moody. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Marissa Martinez, 19, says her move to the campus will take some weight off her shoulders. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Getting on campus wasnt easy. To live here, women face rigorous program criteria, followed by a 12-week personal empowerment course. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
With housing secure, Martinez says her sights are set on a college education in surgical technologya task made easier through Jeremiah. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Safe affordable housing for my sons and I while I get my degree and go to a university as well, said Martinez. <\/p>\n
It's been an uphill battle of Martinez, but she has plenty of motivation. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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Jeremiah Program Gives Families Home to Help Rise Out of Poverty - TWC News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 Continue reading