Story courtesy of Single Mothers Outreach.

One Santa Clarita Valley woman has overcome several obstacles in her life and is now being recognized in the Single Parent Spotlight by Single Mothers Outreach officials.

Jennifer Partida is an inspiring example of a strong and determined woman who has turned her family’s life around with the support and community resources in SCV like those provided by Single Mothers Outreach (SMO).  

At one time she felt riddled with doubt and fear about her situation in life but her current outlook shows a new sense of control, serenity and gratefulness.

After escaping an abusive relationship and finding herself and her kids homeless with nothing but the clothes on their backs, she learned that the community could provide temporary respite from their chaos and drama while teaching her that she could survive and eventually thrive.  

When you have no home, no car and no job or income to count on, life can descend into hopelessness.

She first learned about SMO while using the homeless shelter, when SMO adopted the family and provided Christmas gifts.  She believes that the patience and non-judgmental grace that SMO provided at the low point in her life made a huge difference getting her and her kids to a place of independence.

It was inspiring to her how much volunteer time was spent to help her and others.

When she first registered for the services of SMO, she couldn’t envision where she would be today with her own car to drive, stable housing, and a business of her own to run.  

She had once wondered why she should attend the Financial Peace University when she had no money to manage.  She remembers stubbornly holding on to old views but slowly coming around to overcome her doubts.  The free childcare provided while she took classes helped immensely.  

The kids also learned some concepts of financial management to help them understand how to help mom achieve the family’s goals.

Throughout her journey of empowerment, she benefitted from many programs like Back-to-School providing free backpacks and school supplies for the kids, and computer and parenting classes for herself.

There were incentives to show up on time and to complete the coursework.  Along the way, she learned to make goals for herself and recognize her achievements.  

She is now in a place of wanting to pay it forward and wants other families to know that it takes a lot of courage to change and to turn thoughts of defeat into accomplishment.  She has also learned that the best feelings in life are those you get from helping others.

When asked what advice she would provide for other single moms in the program, she shared a thoughtful insight:   “Be patient.  Don’t feel sorry for yourself.  Life’s successes don’t happen overnight. You have to be humble and willing to start at the bottom, to work hard and be open-minded and listen to good advice.  Use the resources available to you until you can be self-sufficient.”

Jennifer has progressed to a stage where she no longer receives services from SMO, but she remains an enthusiastic volunteer helping other moms and the organization in any way she can.

With all the loving support she received, Jennifer has learned to love and respect herself.  As a result of her healing, she eventually felt ready to enter a new relationship with a wonderful man who respects her and her kids. She can now see that a good relationship requires mutual support.