We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shannon Matthews. Check out our conversation below.
Shannon , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
I have always admired the strength it takes to be a single parent, but this year has deepened my appreciation for the incredible resilience of my clients. In an effort to help, we offered back-to-school gift cards for shoes, and I invited clients to share photos of their children’s shoes on social media to enter our giveaway. I was truly moved by the images that came in. It’s easy to forget that not everyone has the means to buy those $200 sneakers whenever they want. Instead, I saw pictures of shoes that were worn and torn, with soles barely holding on. What touched me the most were the bright smiles on the children’s faces when they received a simple $50 pair of shoes. Little ones often don’t complain; they see their holey shoes as just part of life. Their perspective is a wonderful reminder for me. I have so much to learn from my clients and their children, and I am grateful for the lessons they share through their strength and positivity.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Shannon Matthews, and I’m the Director of Child Support Specialists. With 35 years of experience, I am deeply committed to supporting single parents in their journey to secure child support. At Child Support Specialists, we uniquely handle both non-order child support cases and court-ordered cases, ensuring comprehensive assistance for families in need. Our advanced locate system allows us to find absent parents, which can be a crucial step in providing support for these families. Having grown up in a single-parent household myself, I truly understand the difficulties faced not only by parents but also by children. Many people may not fully grasp the struggle of growing up without the means to afford essential items like school lunches or the simple joy of going to the movies. It’s heartbreaking to think about the challenges they endure, and it drives my passion to make a difference in their lives.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Trust is incredibly important, especially for single parents who have often faced broken trust when the other parent left or failed to meet their financial obligations. It is essential for me to never betray the trust of my clients. I understand that initially, some clients may be hesitant to trust me due to their past experiences with former partners or state agencies. It’s not surprising that they find it difficult to place their faith in someone new.
I take it upon myself to demonstrate my trustworthiness to each and every client, which means I need to work harder than anyone else to earn their trust. I prioritize listening to and addressing all client concerns. We are all human, and mistakes are inevitable; if I make a mistake, I always admit it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that childhood only lasts for 18 years. No matter how challenging it may be, it is important to work hard in school and strive to learn as much as possible in life. We live in a world filled with opportunities, and we don’t have to repeat the same cycles. Growing up as a child in a single-parent home on a low income was tough, and I thought this was the norm of life. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted something better.
It’s important to understand that if a relationship fails, it does not make you a failure. I realized I needed to be able to count on myself and not rely on anyone else. Things do get better, but we must work hard each day to continue improving, even if that means ensuring our children have better opportunities than we did.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A few years ago, I had the privilege of starting a non-profit organization aimed at supporting single-parent households with education, holiday gifts, and school supplies. I know how challenging it can be to juggle everything, and I truly believe that this foundation can make a meaningful difference. My commitment is to help as many families as possible because I understand how important it is for every child to experience the joy of receiving a Christmas gift and to have the necessary supplies for the school year.
I’m also in the process of developing a scholarship program because I deeply believe in the transformative power of education. Reflecting on my own childhood, I can still feel the impact of the support I received, and I want to ensure that other children have the same opportunities to thrive. Together, we can create a stronger, more supportive community for all families.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I believe a common misconception about me is that I only care about helping mothers. In reality, I have a significant number of male clients and strongly believe that fathers without custody should have regular visitation, unless there is a history of abuse. I think fathers play a vital role in their children’s well-being. Personally, I went many years without seeing my father, and it caused more harm than good. Children often act out and struggle with self-confidence when they lack contact with their father. I believe the world is too quick to dismiss the importance of a dad, and this is a major mistake.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://csskids.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childsupportspecialists/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childsupportspecialists
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@childsupportspecialists
Image Credits
CHILD SUPPORT SPECIALISTS
