Today we’d like to introduce you to Reathia M. Jackson.
Hi Reathia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Girlz To Mom Transitional Living,INC (GTM) is a nonprofit organization that provides services for single mothers and their children. I was a single mother of two children and I had a support team that stood in when needed. I also had friends that were single mothers and didn’t have the support team and I saw how they struggled with balancing their life as a single mother, financially, mentally and emotionally. Not having the means to better themselves due to lack of support, knowledge or being encouraged. I often wondered where would I be if I didn’t have my support team because I was a teen mother with my oldest and I received support to continue school, go to college and pursue my dreams. I started GTM with the internet of helping and housing teenage mothers but over time I realized single mothers of all ages need help. So, I decided to focus on creating a program that would not be limited to a certain age group. I want to help them all. Being a parent is hard but even harder being a single mother even more so if you have more than one child. I started the program to offer single mothers a place to come get the support and provide educational classes that can empower their success in life. I feel if a mother has a resource that can help better their lives it will also better the lives of their children mentally, emotionally and physically.
Our children thrive off our emotions and behavior. Our program services includes: mentorship & support groups, group & individual counseling, workshops & Motivational conferences, parenting classes, life skill classes, financial literacy, basic computer & Microsoft Office applications classes, resume presentation & interviewing skills, dress for success (Clothes & Makeup Techniques, social activities, we also go out and volunteer in the community. The mothers that are in this program these services are free to them. I am looking to offer in the near future Nutrition classes, cooking classes, public speaking classes, tutoring for the children, However at this time we do not have a facility that will allow us to accommodate these services. We have a small office space that allows us to us the conference room to hold meetings but again it will not accommodate group workshop and class enrollment has to be small. GTM has been a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization since March 26, 2018.
I had no idea what all a nonprofit consistent of other than I just wanted to help the single mothers in the community. I would have activies or meetings in places that were free to use like my church (Southside Church of Christ), the library or any public place. There were times I have had to pay out of pocket to rent a place to hold a workshop. I have taken bootcamp courses, gone to workshops on person or online to learn more about having a successful nonprofit and getting grants to help support my vision. I learned that I could not do this alone and I now have a group of five ladies that are on my team helping support my vision and they too are single mothers and volunteering their time to make this organization a huge difference in the community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No it has not. I work a full time day job and after I am settled in is when I begin to work on GTM creating website, fundraiser campaign, researching grants that are available and learning how to apply. Getting frustrated with being turned down for grants with no explanation as to why. Not having the resources, equipment or the actual materials needed to help our mothers and more so me not knowing to properly get the resources, grants and sponsors. I have actually had to research other agencies to see if they could help the single mother because at that present time GTM was not able to help and that was heartbreaking to me because I didn’t want to turn her away. You never know a person’s state of mind or their breaking point. Not having the means to activatily advise of program and share with the community that we are here to help single mothers have been a struggle it is only so much FB, IG and Twitter you can do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently work in mortgage financing field (corporate America). I got into the field original due to the pay and benefits. As a single mother that was my priority to make sure I financially stable to support the needs and wants of myself and my children. I received an Associate’s Degree in legal studies as a paralegal. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. I am a Master Certified Life Coach (Life Purpose, Professional, Goal Success & Happiness are the current 4 nitches)
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Most important lesson is that I can’t do this alone. That I have to learn to reach out and network with organizations. I have learned that I can’t expect everyone who say they want to be a part of my journey and want to help and do not show up that I should not get frustrated because my vision is not for everyone. My ideas may interest them but the work is t for them. A single mothers struggle is real. Also I have learned that everything not happening overnight like I would like for it to happen so no mother would be without resources and support.
Pricing:
- GTM Tumblers $20
- GTM Masks $10
- GTM Shitrs $15
- GTM Bags $10
- GTM Day planners $25
Contact Info:
- Email: info@GirlzToMom.org
- Website: www.GirlzToMom.org
- Instagram: @GirlzToMom
- Facebook: @GirlzToMom
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