As parents, we want to ensure our children are cared for in the best manner possible. We hope that we’re up to the challenge, but sometimes our limits can really be stretched. We might need a little extra help — and that’s ok.
LaVette is one such mom who found herself in an unfortunate circumstance beyond her control. At the snap of fingers she had become homeless, unemployed, without transportation, facing legal issues and overwhelmed with mental health issues.
It happened all at once, LaVette found her (and her son’s) belongings tossed to the curb from their family home. She had been displaced by her husband who was seeing another woman. It was a nightmare come true. LaVette and her son had no other choice but to move in with her 92-year-old grandmother.
Ever since that difficult day though, everything seems to be coming together for LaVette and her son. The once stay-at-home-mom, LaVette has persevered. Today, she finds herself much stronger because of it.
The outcome of such an experience is powerful.
As you can imagine after experiencing such a trauma, LaVette has had some hard work to do. She is taking care of her mental health by attending therapy.
Also, LaVette was awarded primary custody of her son after representing herself in court and is seeking permanent custody. Even though she went through a lot of stress, anxiety, and grief, she still wants the dad to be a part of their son’s life. She knows it’s important to have both parents involved.
LaVette has since found employment, her own home, and transportation.
She applied for the Best Beginnings scholarship as soon as she received employment.
While her car is currently in need of repair, she has plan B in place to ensure her son gets to school at AWARE’s Center for Early Childhood, and she’s able to get work.
"After being a stay-at-home mom for several years, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to trust anyone to watch my son," LaVette said. "After hearing about AWARE Early Head Start, I was so thankful to find somewhere that offered my son an excellent education and social interaction with the peace of mind of knowing he is safe and cared for by people who love children."
She has maintained employment during the midst of the COVID quarantine and actively participated in her son’s education while he was in remote services.
Because LaVette is grateful for the help she received, she wanted to give back to AWARE’s Center for Early Childhood. This year, she self-nominated to become part of the AWARE Early Head Start Policy Council. She was nominated and is currently serving as the peer-selected president.
Stepping into this leadership position was out of LaVette’s comfort zone. However, she is growing in her role as president and will forever be a strong advocate for education, her son and others. Although COVID has restricted her volunteer times, she is willing to help other parents and teachers when needed.
"It has been a joy and a blessing being a part of his schooling in the Policy Council, and we’re so excited for what our future holds," LaVette said.
In addition to being a working mom and strong advocate, LaVette is on track to complete the 18 remaining credits needed to earn her bachelor of science in business degree.