SINGLE, HOMELESS, MOTHER....SECOND CHANCES!

[KHADINE BECKFORD]

As I now look back a few years back, I look at my son who is now 6 and realize how good life has been with me up until this point i didn't even imagine me having a son, that is perfect and healthy as they come, but at the same time it made me think of those who are less fortunate. I feel a great concern for children who are homeless due to no fault of their own. My homeless experience was a little short, but i met many women who where going through the same process and somehow fell in the gaps as they say, don't ever say that it will never happen to you, cause really, you don't know what is in your future. I don't wish it on anyone, but i do realize that the need for shelters is high and homeless and unemployment rates, keep growing. Given the opportunity i would like to extend a hand to those so willing individuals that take the time to makesure people are place in a safe environment, but for those workers, who do not take the time to concider how confusing and disorienting this time is for a family, well shame on you! I commend those individuals who are involved in this proccesss. I can't help but to remember those women who i left behind, some where there for years, while others had no idea what or where they had to go to complete the process and the welfare and social services i am sorry to say but they are the most disorganized agency that i ever had to deal with, many of my peeers up until this day have not yet been able to become self sufficient as of yet, why? because of the way the system goes about qualifying them and placing them is very lengthy, and at the same time discouraging, for an individual and for me when i had to go through it; the workers made me feel very bad about being in my situation, just entering in the building bring a sense of burden.

I hope to one day have my own organization that assist hurting women in general, homelessness, pregnant and teen mothers, offer self help to those single mothers, with no support, if it wasn't for my inmediate family and friends i wouldn't have the courage that i have today. I will one day have my own group home and make it a model for how we should really deal with people, with compassion, love and generosity, we didn't even get a toothbrush just incase we needed one, there is some basic needs that we all need to reach a place of comfort that is condusive for a mother to be able to deal with her children in time of a crisis, no matter what it is. I hope to have a mentoring program to assist the incoming clients. My staff will be made up of the first set of teens to come to us, who wish to work with us. These teens will be the role models, they will have residency within our walls and will be free to go whenever they feel ready, of course they will go to school to further their education and child care will always be provided. Anyhow is this wishful thinking of what? i am just encouraged to do what is correct, i wan't my peers to experience the same gratitude that i have felt, for the generosity extended on to me by some. Incorporating change into my mission has been my passion. If you have something that your would like to accomplished, don't be afraid to put it out, you never know who is watching, or listening or even reading your stuff, so keep it positive! I know how much i lost and i know about gain, and everyone deserve a second chance and once they are at the door and know that they have a motivating team behind them, the posibilities of them reaching their full potential are endless. Take the time to motivate someone today, make someone feel that they are important, and that you care.

Sincerely

Khadine Beckford

more articles at www.lovininccreations.yourmagz.com our women interestest magazine come share your stories and experiences.