“Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.” – Les Brown
We understand that facing an unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming. You may be feeling uncertain about your future, especially if you’re considering parenting as a single mother. But here’s the truth: even though your life is yours to manage, you are not alone, and you have more options than you might realize. At Hope Rising Pregnancy Center, we are here to support you every step of the way as you navigate this journey.
Today, we want to talk about how to empower yourself to live a fulfilling and successful life and share with you how education and career paths can not only provide stability but also open doors to a brighter future for you and your child. So if you’re feeling unsure how to combine motherhood with completing an education and providing for your child with a career, know that with knowledge of opportunities, the willingness to seek them out, and support from others, you can do it.
First and foremost, we acknowledge the courage and strength it takes to consider parenting as a single mother. We recognize the challenges you may be facing–financial concerns, lack of support, and fears about the future. But we want to assure you that there is hope, resources are available to help you succeed.
GED Preparation
Because of your pregnancy, maybe you weren’t able to finish high school and obtain a diploma. We know how this feels. We also believe you can work to take steps toward obtaining one.
Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives. Whether you’re considering pursuing a high school diploma or a vocational certification, investing in your education can open up a world of opportunities. Many single mothers have gone on to achieve their academic goals while raising their children, and you can too.
While it may feel daunting to seek to obtain your GED (the General Education Development Diploma), it’s not as difficult as you might imagine. The GED test is a series of four subjects that you can take to demonstrate high school academic knowledge. This diploma is widely accepted by employers and colleges alike as an alternative to a high school diploma. Low-cost preparation courses can be easily found and will make you feel more confident going into the GED test. Check out these Dayton area GED preparation programs.
Work Opportunities
Exploring career paths that align with your interests and skills can provide long-term stability for you and your child. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, technology, education, or another field, there are countless vocational training opportunities available.
Through career counseling and job placement services, a place like OhioMeansJobs–which has a website and offices in every Ohio county–can help you identify career paths that offer competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. If necessary, they can also direct you to education and training programs. If you’re not sure where to start, we suggest this as a starting place: https://ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov/job-seekers. This site has a live chat option that allows you to connect with a real person who can help you with the next steps.
If you already have a passion or an area of expertise but aren’t sure how to find job openings, OhioMeansJobs has up-to-date lists of job openings at their centers and on this part of their website: https://topjobs.ohio.gov/top-jobs-list.
Pursuing a College Degree
If you already have your high school diploma or GED and are ready to pursue the next educational step: an associate or bachelor’s degree, local community colleges offer resources and support to help you. From assistance with college applications to degree and career guidance, community college admissions counselors are there to help you reach your full potential.
In addition to education, exploring career paths that align with your interests and skills can provide long-term stability for you and your child. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, technology, education, or another field, countless opportunities are available.
We also understand that balancing parenthood and pursuing your education or career can be challenging. That’s why we offer support services such as parenting classes to help you navigate the demands of motherhood while achieving your goals.
Remember that you are capable of creating the life you want for yourself and your child through education and self-improvement. You have the strength within you to overcome any obstacles that may come your way. And you don’t have to do it alone–Hope Rising is here to support you and to direct you to additional support and resources.
As you consider your options, we encourage you to reach out for guidance. Whether you need practical assistance, emotional support, or someone to listen, we are here for you. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you make empowered choices that align with your values and goals. You can make an appointment with us for any reason at any time by visiting https://hoperising.org/contact-us/ or calling our 24-hour Open Line at (937) 298-2822.
You are worthy of love, respect, and support, and we are here to help you build a future full of hope, opportunity, and empowerment for you and your child.