So I’ve learned this recently today… I was reading our church newsletter and was made aware of a new ministry that provides assistance to single mothers with material items, mentoring, and general help for things like maintenance, etc. The ministry is called Side by Side and it is expected to launch in early fall.
I recall back before our newest pastor became our pastor I was invited to a focus group and I had mentioned doing some sort of ministry/small group/interest for single moms. I didn’t think anyone was listening but possibly God had held that thought in someone’s mind to move on in the future. It may have not even been me that put that thought in someone’s head but maybe God was listening to me somehow.
I laugh because I’m no longer a single mom but maybe I could possibly be able to help out with the ministry. I’ve been there, done that. I know the stresses that single moms face and possibly the guilt they hold inside of them. The challenges of dating, finding sitters, needing “me” time, wishing the father would just take the kids for a week, the glares you get from strangers, etc.
The ministry would also help families with special needs. Can you believe it? Another area I am passionate about. I don’t consider my daughter to be “special needs” as much now but I do understand the challenges of finding the right daycare, preschool, speech therapist, IEP meetings, behavior management, theraputic support specialists, healthcare, autism, learning disabilities, project DART, early intervention, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, all of that!
However, I do not have training in counseling, I have an associates degree in business administration… Hmmm! I have a little experience in social work from an internship in highschool with the Union Aid Society (our hometown assistance). Who knows if I can even get involved but I can’t believe this is finally happening. For some reason, I did not think our area had a need for this kind of help… maybe they truly do and possibly God could use me somehow someway… maybe.
