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GEDCO Helps Mothers – and Others!

There’s a story behind each person in the housing and programs at GEDCO. Mothers are a big part of each story, since women represent a large proportion of our residents and CARES clients. Of course, these mothers have sons, brothers, fathers, cousins, and a host of people they care for and who care about them. On Mother’s Day we remember that we are all touched by many different mothers, not just our own.

We invited our staff members to tell us some stories of mothers in our programs, and we invite you to share a mother story or tribute by adding a comment after the article.

Lottie  & Mamie: Stadium Place Retirement Community

Mamie moved into the Weinberg Court Apartments in 2004 and her daughter Lottie followed in 2007. The mother and daughter have a wonderful relationship and attend many of the resident- and volunteer-organized events together. They especially love to participate in Bible Study in the Weinberg Community Room. They both have made many new friends in community and spend countless hours socializing. Mother and daughter like to use the AIM shuttle to go on shopping trips together, and in general they find that living at Stadium Place in the same building enables them to enjoy lots of family time while having their own space. Stadium Place has made it possible for them to share their golden years together somewhere safe and caring.

Loretta: Micah House Graduate

"Loretta," a former resident of Micah House, was able to move into her own apartment through the help and support she received in this program for people who were homeless. When she was ready to leave Micah House, her Advocacy Counselor helped her find furniture and supported her every step of the way. Loretta - who not long ago was homeless and using drugs - was able to achieve one of her top goals: to be reunited with her children! Now she has the skills to budget her money and pay her rent so that her children live with her again. Loretta is proud to help her kids with schoolwork and be their biggest supporter.

This former resident is in demand to speak at recovery-centered engagements where she shares her inspirational and encouraging story.

Sharon: A Second Chance

During Christmas and Easter the volunteer group Faith Healing Ministries provided gifts for residents at Micah House to present to their children and grandchildren. As one resident commented “I didn't have money to buy anything for my child, and I am happy to be able to give him something.”

"Sharon," who had become estranged from her granddaughter for a long time, was delighted that she could give her an Easter basket. She felt she’d been given a way to restart their relationship again on a positive note. In our programs, we are always looking for ways to bring families back together after time in shelters and on the streets has distanced them.

 Tynia:  Reunited at Last

“Tynia,” a woman who was living in one of GEDCO’s programs for people who were homeless, decided that her most important goal was having her daughter back in her life. In recovery from addictions, Tynia became a role model for her daughter by taking her to meetings and conventions of Narcotics Anonymous and "sponsoring" other people in recovery She celebrated her 3 year anniversary of being drug-free by speaking at a meeting about the joys of being reunited with her daughter. She wants her daughter to learn about drugs and alcohol so she won't fall into that trap!  Tynia was determined that her daughter go to college, and that they be able to find housing together. With the assistance of staff members to update her resume and help with an employment search, Tynia found not just one, but two jobs! She works at a recovery house as well as serving as a counselor at another program for women who were homeless. Tynia and her daughter finally were able to move into housing together - and now they are living "happily ever after."