The Relatives’ Family Update
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Dear Relatives,
Family is family. Whether it’s the one you start out with, the one you end up with, or the one you gain along the way.
At The Relatives, we wrap our arms around those who search for support in times of need. Many times, we become like a second – or even a first – family for our young people. We provide a listening ear, a lending hand, and the push they need to succeed – especially when these young adults start families of their own. During these last few difficult months, we’ve had quite a few babies delivered by our young moms and, through this, we have see hope for a new generation.
You help us keep these families together and safe.
As we’ve put out the call for diapers, baby clothing, and other necessities, we’ve seen our Relatives respond as if their own family members were in need. Various Facebook groups have banded together to coordinate drop-offs of supplies, volunteers who can no longer mentor our young adults in person have cleaned out their closets and pitched in whatever way they can, and through it all, we’ve been able to house these young families ready for a fresh start.
Your support allows us to share the sense of family and community with youth who depend on us for safety, stability, and an open door to successful futures.
Family sticks together, and this family is no different. Thank you for being a part of our family!
Trish Hobson
Executive Director
Meet The Duponts
The Duponts are a young married couple doing their best to provide a better future for their family. With one small child and another on the way, Daniel and Shadarius struggled to find a stable place to live. They were temporarily staying with family members while working and receiving vocational education. With the birth of their new son approaching, it was looking unlikely they would be able to stay with their relatives. Their precarious housing situation was a tremendous weight for them to carry by themselves. Their need for a safe haven brought them to the Relatives and we were able to take on some of this heavy burden.
In the past few weeks, we were able to find the Duponts an apartment and provide stability by subsidizing their rent. This apartment came at just the right time as Shadarius and Daniel welcomed their second child last week. We can rest easy knowing that their family is comfortable and secure, especially during this important time in their lives.
In addition to being stably housed and keeping their children safe and healthy, the Duponts are gaining financial stability. Shadarius is working in a nursing home as a shift lead while obtaining her CNA II, and Daniel is working and attending online classes to obtain his nursing degree. We know that having a home to come to at the end of the day provides security the Duponts need so that they can focus on increasing their education and income – the things they will need to be independent. We are so hopeful for the Duponts and know they are on the right path to creating a fresh start for their family.
Relative Spotlight: Drew Prince
Having family photos is something a lot of us take for granted. It can be hard for our young parents to remember to capture the sweet moments in the midst of the challenges they face.
Last week, Drew Prince visited the On Ramp Resource Center to take portraits of our young families. We are so grateful to Drew for lending his time and talents to provide high quality mementos that will carry our young adults through good times and bad.
Host a Parenting Workshop
There’s no set playbook for how to be a great parent, but talking about issues in a safe space certainly helps!
We need individuals who have the wisdom and understanding to work with our young adults as they navigate parenthood. Workshops are conducted virtually through Zoom between 9am and 3pm, and a transition specialist is available to help you guide our young families.
If you are interested, please contact Christina at cnunez@therelatives.org.
