The New Beginnings Single Parent Resource Center’s yard sale on Sunday, March 21, 2010 was a delightful success. Due to weather conditions, the “yard” for this sale was relocated to the lower level of Blake Center, where many students and faculty stopped by on their way to and from brunch. Over $200 was raised for the support of the Resource Center’s basic operational expenses. Program counselor Mrs. Geraldine Thompson said that funds raised from the yard sale would “help us continue providing the current services we offer our participants, including case management, and assistance with unforeseen emergencies.”
Sponsored by Oakwood University, New Beginnings offers a variety of services to single parent students who attend Oakwood University and other institutions across North Alabama. Services such as laundry facilities, assistance with childcare, textbook expenses, food bank, and access to computers are offered to full time students who are also single parents, and who are enrolled in the Center. Inquiries from students at other schools come in every week about the services offered at New Beginnings; the most popular is childcare assistance. Due to space limitations and funding, however, New Beginnings can provide childcare for a limited number of children, at different times throughout the day; in the meantime, children’s names are placed on a waiting list for childcare assistance. In the future “there is potential for growth and expansion with this program, with the increasing interest and need for case management, childcare assistance and other related services” says Thompson.
The Resource Center could not operate without the help of students. Four work study students, two Title III students, interns from the Social Work Department, and student volunteers help maintain the Resource Center on a daily basis. Thompson said: “Our need for resources in a monetary sense is at least $100,000. Anyone wishing to support New Beginnings may give a tax deductible donation through Oakwood University.”
~ Ashley Batiste, student writer in the Public Relations Office
News Archives 
