Making a Difference by Stephanie

Making a Difference by Stephanie - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

I have been involved with an amazing organization known as YoungMoms for the last year and a half. YoungMoms is an organization that’s purpose is to empower teenmoms to reach their potential as mothers and women. Prior to becoming a volunteer I was actually an original YoungMoms participant 6 years ago. Not only has this organization inspired me to return and give back but it also inspired me to pursue the career choice of Social Worker and eventually Lawyer. Through my volunteer efforts I have learned so much about my community and myself. I have provided rides to young mothers apart of the program to events because they lack transportation, have helped with childcare during certain events, provided some administrative work, spoken at certain fundraising events, and also mentor other young mothers and share my story to help motivate and inspire them. I also head the peer advisory board which is made up of young mother participants who help to create new programs, provide suggestions and feedback, and facilitate certain events. I most recently joined the annual YoungMoms Fundraising brunch committee and I am so excited to help in this new way.
YoungMoms has given me a new insight to what not only my community needs but so many others as well. This organization partners with other nonprofits in the area to help out the participants and it is truly eye opening to see how many people are in need of support and services and lack the resources to get to them. Being apart of Youngmoms has really fueled my desire to get into the social work field and really help those in need. I was inspired by the program to actually begin the process of creating an official recognized mother’s support group on my own campus to provide support and a community for other student mothers trying to get through college and juggle a family life. It has also inspired me to in the future look into creating a group similar to YoungMoms but aimed at a higher age to provide support in things such as college, trade schools, housing, etc. It will be aimed at helping these young mothers who have already begun the process of higher education or employment goals and who need support and a community to take the ride along with them.
Overall, I believe my experience in volunteering at YoungMoms has been a motivation and inspirational journey of my own. It has pushed me to really give back to the community and create other support groups to help others. It has shown me how a helping hand can really go a long way for someone and maybe even be the reason for moving forward. I am truly honored to be apart of such an amazing organization.