A Foundation for Success

Chiquita faced many challenges throughout her life. She became a single mother at the age of 16.  As she struggled with the responsibilities of motherhood she found herself unable to finish her education.   As a result, she found it challenging to maintain stable employment to provide for herself and her children.

“Before Center For Family Services, I did not understand what it meant to be a parent.”

Chiquita found herself on the same difficult path of as her own mother and others that she knew.  She found herself moving frequently lacking the stability she needed for her children.  When Chiquita became pregnant with her third child, she connected with Center For Family Services TIP (TANF Initiative For Parents) program. “Before Center For Family Services, I did not understand what it meant to be a parent.  The program gave me the guidance I needed and taught me what I needed to do to provide and care for my children.”

The program connected Chiquita to community resources and information, giving her the ability to improve her life.  After she gave birth to her fourth child Chiquita enrolled into training classes for her GED, she later tested, passed, and obtained her GED.  After graduating from the Center’s TIP program, Chiquita went back to school and received certification as a medical assistant.  She is now working at Cooper Hospital as a critical care technician helping hospice patients.  She has her own place and is able to provide for and care for her children.  With the support of the Center’s Healthy Families program, Chiquita and many other moms broke the cycle of poverty, abuse and neglect.  “The program is something young mothers need.  Center For Family Services led me in a positive direction.  Words cannot describe what Center For Family Services has done for me and my family.”