Patricia’s Story
Patricia is a prime example of a hard-working mom who benefits from wrap around support services to prevent a family crisis.
Patricia and her daughter Gabriella, age 7
Patricia Baptiste came to the White County 100 Families office on October 31, 2023. At the time, Patricia was taking classes at Harding university and working part time at Harding Academy, where her seven-year old daughter, Gabriella attended. She lived at the apartments close to the college and academy so she could walk or take Gabriella to school. Between paying tuition, staying on top of her coursework, working part time, paying rent, and being a single mom, Patricia had begun to feel overwhelmed by financial and emotional needs. The situation was compounded by her lack of a vehicle. Patricia said she walked everywhere if her friends were not available to transport her. She said, “I worry about not having a car and if I have an emergency and I have to rush Gabriella to hospital.”
“I worry about not having a car and if I have an emergency and I have to rush Gabriella to hospital.”
Patricia recognized that she needed assistance getting food for Thanksgiving and getting Christmas presents for Gabriella so she attended the 100 Families Thanksgiving Food Drive and enrolled Gabriella with the Angel Tree program. Patricia’s emotional needs stemmed not only from the stress of transportation and rent, but also from the abuse she had experienced in a past relationship. She was referred to the Counseling department at her school where services were free to students. With financial burdens of the holidays lifted and the encouragement of her 100 families advocate, Patricia had the means and the motivation to start saving for a vehicle. Four months later, Patricia had saved enough for a car! Patricia is a prime example of a hard-working mom who benefits from wrap around support services to prevent a family crisis.
