By: Chara Benson (Toronto City Mission)
September 3rd, 2013 marked an important day for 12 very eager, yet nervous women. It also marked a significant time in my life as I became the teacher of these twelve. This program is called Role Model Moms where moms come to learn in order to achieve their GED highschool equivalency. I am excited to be back working for Toronto City Mission (TCM) on this project in the Victoria Village of Toronto. This summer I made a lot of great connections as we advertised in the community. This is an area where there are many recent immigrants, unemployment, and single parent families living in poverty. This GED program for women, including free childcare, was a major need in this area. With lots of prayer and preparation, it has finally come to fruition this fall!
My classroom is in a bright spacious basement room which East Toronto Chinese Baptist Church has generously provided as they partner with TCM. Nine different cultures are represented amongst this special group of moms, with ages ranging from 21 to 40, which creates for rich discussions and stories. During class, their children are in the good hands of our three daycare workers. It is only a month into this program and I have already seen these women bond quickly. Many of them come from difficult backgrounds and are on welfare, but where once they felt stuck, they now have hope. I have heard
them voice this hope:
“I am excited to get on with my life and my dreams.”
“I feel mixed emotions, I am happy I’m trying to better myself and my son’s life. I am happy I am back in school. But it is overwhelming to try and do it all, being a mom and a student.”
“I feel like I have accomplished something already by joining
the RMM”
I have seen how God has gone ahead of this program with everything falling into place including finding a facility, great childcare workers, keen students, and supportive people along the way. I am excited to continue teaching and supporting these mom’s as they take steps to achieve their dreams, but to also get to know more about them and their unique life stories.
One of my volunteers, Michelle, has just started a “Purpose Group” after class on Mondays where we discuss different topics and allow the girls to share their stories. We were doubtful any would show up but God is greater than our doubts and 8 moms stayed for the first one! They had no problem sharing and we heard many stories of much brokenness. Michelle and I have been able to be open about our faith during this time, share briefly a bible story relevant to the topic and even pray at the end of the group. One girl said, “You guys have become like my family.”
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Wisdom to know how to teach a class of different levels of understanding.
- Attendance is sporadic as many of their children are getting sick, or consistency is a challenge for some, as well as other life challenges such as death in the family.
- For more opportunities to share the hope that we have trusting in Jesus and that the women would feel loved in this environment.