In June of 2013, I was on maternity leave after having my third child. I was paid for the first 6 weeks but I needed to be off for two additional weeks due to childcare availability or lack thereof. I was not paid for those two weeks because my timecard was not submitted. Although, my bills were ok, I needed milk for my son. I failed to mention when I told my then boyfriend, the news of my pregnancy, he said if you keep this child I will have nothing to do with him… He has made good on that promise. But God! Back to my story, Because I needed milk for my son I went to the local WIC office to get 14 cans of milk, you see I did not need to be on the program forever, just long enough to last me until I returned to work.

Well, I handed the lady my check stubs, although I had not worked in 6 weeks, I was told you make too much money to qualify for this program. I was devastated.

All I could think about was his father doesn’t want him and I can’t feed him. I was depressed and suicidal thoughts entered my mind. My then 20 year old daughter was with me, when we returned home I asked her to keep an eye on her brother until I returned. I told her I was going to take a nap but my true intent was to consume the all my pain relievers. I was sure my mother would take care of the children for me, the insurance policies would kick in and everyone would be happy. Before I could completely form the thought, God spoke to my spirit and said “ you start something.”

Thanks be to God, all the glory belongs to him. Later, I told my daughter I was going to start a non-profit organization for single working mothers who are over qualified for government assistance. She said momma name it Hope Station because these women are in a transition going from one place ( an uncomfortable one) moving to a better one. I said I love it… So here we are!!!