Dear Friends,
I haven't opened myself up very much on here as this is a site for YOU! I blog in other places. But, I feel to share a little with you in hopes that your heart will be turned towards a very important cause; moms in need. This is not for me - this is for scholarship money being requested to provide an opportunity for single-mothers to attend a 2 yr. college and improve their chances of a better life for them and for their children.
I've been a single-mom for 12 yrs. It's been the hardest thing I've ever had to go through and was not through wrong-doing of my own that I found myself in this circumstance. I know that many of you have had similar difficult and heart-rending trials. Life is like that; we often face challenges that drop us to our knees and turn us to the Source who can help us through them. But, we are also reminded of the statement from President Kimball who said "The Lord answers our prayers, but it is usually through another person that he meets our needs." It is in this attitude that I am asking for you to share of your resources to lift a burden of another sister (or brother); of being an answer to their prayers.
A few of us were asked by the church to ask for your help. I am honored to do so. I know that many of you have generous hearts --- and hope that some of you will also have something in your wallets that you could give. Even small donations of many people can add up. Do what you can and even prayerfully ask if this is something that the Lord would have you do.
Scholarship money for these single moms gives them the opportunity for a better life for them and for their children. Anything we can do to lighten their load and help them along during this difficult time in their lives is a tremendous gift well-given. These students are strongly vetted and they do not take this opportunity lightly. The waiting list to get in to the school is much longer than finances permit. 100% of financial donations go to the students, and LDS Business College has done all it can to keep costs low so as to provide eduational opportunities for as many as they are able.
Please watch "Megan's story' to the left and see how the kindness and generosity of others' - changed her life. She's a very special soul with a strong testimony. I was able to meet and hear her speak recently and my heart went out to her. She (and many others like her) is more appreciative than you might know. She expressed humble and sincere appreciation for this life-changing gift and ....will now take the education she has received - and go forward and bless others' in the world.
I'm attaching the following information because I think it's beneficial. It's often helpful to think what it might be like to walk in someone else's shoes and then, hope that others' will do the same for us. Kindness goes a long way in each of our lives and as we strive to become more like our Savior and do what He would have us do.
The Scholarship is the "Stella Oaks Scholarship for Single Parents". Sister Oaks was the single-mother of Elder Dallin H. Oaks.
What is the fund raising goal for November?
• Four full-tuition (and books) scholarships for single parents
• $1,800 each (per semester)
Why single moms (and dads)?
• 28 percent of children now live with just one parent.
• 40% of children under 18 experience a parental breakup.
• 90% of single parent families are headed by females.
• Single moms with children have the highest poverty rates.
• 60% of children living in mother-only families are impoverished.
• Single moms are more likely to be poor because of lower earning capacity.
• Single moms median income is only about 25% what a married couple make.
Why LDSBC?
• LDS Business College has developed an approach to help single parents, especially women, improve their earning potential.
• Single parents at LDSBC use scholarship funds to pay tuition, books and other fees.
• Students enroll in one of six career-oriented programs: accounting, business, computers, medical careers, interior design, or office technology. (2 yr. degree)
• LDSBC has placed 90% of its graduates.
• Each students is assigned a faculty mentor
Thank you all for what you do. We're all in this together and I'd like to think that if you were in need we'd be there for you too!
Heidi G.
