Before Danielle and her almost 2-year-old daughter, Harmony, became residents at Buckner’s Family Pathways program in Houston, her life had its challenges.
“I had started school but dropped out due to a lack of financial resources, and I ended up working for about two years until I was able to give school another try,” Danielle shared. “The same month I was set to start school, I found out I was pregnant with Harmony.”
“I no longer have to live according to where I came from, but now I’m able to make a new, better reality for me and my family.”
Danielle knew Harmony was a blessing – regardless of the hard truth that the father chose not to stay. After giving birth, Danielle was determined to do anything she could to take care of herself and Harmony.
“I ended up living in my mother’s room and living with my mom and siblings,” she said. “There wasn’t a place to put our things except for in containers stacked in the hallways of the house. There was a lot of clutter and not the environment I imagined for my baby to grow up in.”
Danielle felt trapped by the reality of not being able to afford their own home, but also that she relied on her family’s support to help with Harmony. Danielle heard about Buckner’s Family Pathways program through an online ad and decided to apply.
What is Buckner’s Family Pathways Program?
The Buckner Family Pathways program supports single parents as they strengthen their families and reduce the barriers to self-sufficiency. Through a variety of resources offered through Family Pathways, many single parents are able to overcome the insurmountable challenges they face in today’s economy.
Families participate in courses on parenting, nurturing, budgeting, and planning. They can also find support through counseling and spiritual enrichment, which use evidence-based tools in individual and group sessions to continue their path toward transformation. It’s priceless to witness families as they come into the program with different life challenges and monitor their progress throughout the program.
“Through Buckner’s Family Pathways, many single parents are able to overcome the insurmountable challenges they face in today’s economy. ”
As a program director in Houston, I’ve observed the families we serve both individually and in group sessions., and I get to see how they express themselves, talking about their journey, goals, and challenges.
I enjoy assisting them in meeting the goals they set at the beginning of the program. Over time, I see them progress with the support of family coaches, other participants, and the entire Buckner staff around them. Working with our families doesn’t just include assisting them in achieving their goals but also helping them overcome the barriers they face daily.
The Family Pathways families I’ve worked with have continued to ignite my passion for helping and empowering families to enhance their well-being and create a better and sustainable future. Trust is an integral part of maintaining partnerships with the families we serve. It’s a privilege to serve such courageous, determined, and dedicated individuals.
Building Better Family Outcomes
As a resident of the Family Pathways program, Danielle and Harmony flourished. In this new environment, Harmony became more comfortable in her skin while exploring and learning new things.
“She’s not afraid to be herself and has adapted really well with being around other people she meets in the program – whether it’s other families, program directors, or staff,” Danielle said.
For Danielle, the program has impacted nearly every area of her life: as a mother, friend, Christian, and more. She’s learned the value of being intentional and consistent – and how important it is to show up for yourself.
“I no longer have to live according to where I came from, but now I’m able to make a new, better reality for me and my family – because this program has given me the opportunity to change and grow,” she said.
Danielle is currently a student at Sac Jacinto College majoring in early education and plans to transfer to the University of Houston in Spring 2024. She aspires to become an elementary school teacher and to lean further into her faith. She’s challenging herself to spend more time with God each day and leaving room for him to speak to her.
The Family Pathways program has also inspired Danielle to become more organized, keep her and Harmony’s living space cleaner, and improve her time management skills. She’s seen the benefit of managing her tasks to have more productive days – leaving more time for her and Harmony to connect and grow together.
“I’m excited to see how much further I will go since being blessed with the chance to be a part of this great opportunity here at Buckner,” Danielle said. “I know the obstacles will still come, but being a part of this community has already helped me recognize I’m more than able to overcome any obstacle that comes my way by putting God first and the resources he sends.”
Because of the support in the Houston community, single parents like Danielle and children like Harmony have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential and achieve goals they had once only dreamed of.
Tennie Thompson is the program director for Buckner Family Pathways in Houston, TX.
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