New Beginnings

New Beginnings: A Program for Single Parents

This program provides assistance to single parents through many services and resources such as:

Tuition Assistance: By partnering with groups such as the Women’s Economic Development Council, and other interested parties, Oakwood University is offering limited tuition assistance t those who are accepted in the program.

Textbook Assistance: Limited funds are available to assist parents in paying for textbooks for their course work. Requests for assistance are made in writing and each request is evaluated by a committee who oversees the fund. Funds are distributed as they are available.

Child Care Assistance: New Beginnings offers limited child care assistance. We are available for parents who need temporary assistance with their children while they attend classes or other academic related activities.

Social Support: All participants meet monthly as a group to discuss progress through their academic programs. In addition, parents have an opportunity to discuss problems or concerns that they are experiencing with each other to gain insight and support through this life changing process.

Counseling/Case Management Services: Each parent enrolled at New Beginnings will be assigned a case manager that will be connected to the parent for the time they are in our program. The case manager will assist in providing referrals for resources; provide support to the student/parent in balancing the responsibilities of parenthood with the educational process.

Life Skills Workshops: Various workshops are offered such as parenting skills, financial management, study skills, time management, just to name a few.

Mentoring: Faculty, staff, and students have been designated to coordinate and facilitate the success of the participants in the program. These individuals interact with the single parents regularly to listen to and support them.

Computer Lab: The New Beginnings office is equipped with three desk top computers with on line capability, that are available for student use to complete assignments or conduct on line research. Additionally, a network printer is available that parents can use to print homework assignments.

Household goods: The New Beginnings facility is equipped with laundry facilities, clothing bank, and nutritional snacks for the children.

Mrs. Geraldine Thompson serves as the director for New Beginnings. For more information you can reach her at (256) 726-7801.