“I came to Precious Lamb during one of the darkest times in my life. I had no family support, no partner support, and was living in a maternity home for pregnant mothers and mothers with young children. I felt hopeless, alone, and worthless as a mother, because who brings a child into the world with nothing to their name?
I was in school at the time, however, still did not have enough money to move out on my own, so I had to continue to work and did not know how I would be able to do it all with such a young child. The maternity home I was in notified me of Precious Lamb Preschool, a preschool that partners with programs for homeless parents which would be able to help with childcare. Upon my initial meeting with the director at the time, I was immediately moved by the mission of the school and the love and care that was spread throughout the staff.
My son was able to attend Precious Lamb Preschool, which allowed me to not only finish school, but to save money to live on my own and begin my career. Not only is Precious Lamb Preschool a diverse school, the passion behind the staff and their ability to relate to the community they are serving allow for a successful relationship to exist between school and parenting that does not happen often.
As a mom at Precious Lamb Preschool, I began to work two part-time jobs and continue to study at school. As impossible as I thought it was, I had so much support. Other moms would assist me when it came to pick-up or drop-off. I was getting drained taking three to four buses and the train to work and school every day, and Precious Lamb donated a car to me, which I still use and take care of to this day.
When I needed food, Precious Lamb provided me with food so my son and I would not go hungry and so that I could continue to save. When I had no clothes to go on job interviews, the Precious Lamb staff stepped in to help me with donations. When I struggled with mental health, Precious Lamb stepped in to provide me with resources and counseling so I could be a fit mother, and the list goes on and on. Every roadblock I encountered, Precious Lamb stepped in and made sure that no matter what I was going through, they would help me through it, and I was not alone.
During my time at Precious Lamb Preschool, my son learned more than just educational standards. We learned about the core principles of love, friendship, respect, character, diversity, and more. Through the mentorship program and Breakfast Club, I got to learn from other parents, share my struggles, and learn solutions and healthy coping mechanisms for the different obstacles I was facing.
Precious Lamb provided resources for me whenever I had a need. They met the need and never treated me like I was anything less than a good mother, despite facing homelessness.
The memories I will hold onto are that when I left my program, Precious Lamb still kept in touch, still included me as a mother who graduated from the program, and still assisted me with needs such as furniture, housing, and transportation.
Because of Precious Lamb, my son was able to skip a grade because his charter school felt “his prior education had already exceeded expectations.” Because of Precious Lamb, I graduated with a BA and MBA, and now work for a top tech company and live in my own home.
I am no longer homeless, hopeless, or in despair, and I owe it all to God and Precious Lamb. Precious Lamb Preschool is much more than just a school. It is a community-based program full of love, and I will forever be grateful for how they helped shape my son’s and my journey.”
— Jocelyn
