“Whenever women gather together, failure is impossible,” Susan B. Anthony-Women’s Rights Activist. March’s success story is, in fact, one we will always remember! For Women’s History Month, New Destiny staff decided to feature one of our own participants. This year we celebrate Ms. P! Ms. P’s story is full of perseverance, hope, and achievement. To understand why we chose Ms. P as March’s success story, we need to start from the beginning. Where was she when she came to our center for the first time? Ms. P had moved to Paterson from NYC. Furthermore, she was pregnant with her first child. She was referred to us by one of our partners as a place that could connect her to various resources and programs. Ms. P describes her first encounter at New Destiny FSC’s front desk as one sent from heaven. She was confused, scared, and did not know where to start. The friendly volunteer at the front desk explained in detail everything we did; moreover, she told her we had a Community Health Worker on site that could provide support and guidance. That warm transfer to our CHW was the beginning of Ms. P’s journey with NDFSC. Being a first-time mom, she joined parenting classes, connected to all resources available for her and her child recommended by the CHW, and took advantage of many of our FSC programs. Ms. P had to face many challenges, including having her child in the middle of a pandemic, which added even more anxiety and stress. Nonetheless, she was never alone. As she explains it, NDFSC’s staff walked with her through ups and downs. What is even more exciting for all of us is that today, Ms. P was recently hired as an employee in our Full-Service Community School program! She is an amazing example that it is possible to overcome obstacles! New Destiny’s FSC CHW Ms. K said, “She has found stability, and a way back to the workforce.” The quote used for this story describes how Ms. P’s story is a success: someone who has overcome many barriers with the support of others who saw all the potential Ms. P has to offer. New Destiny FSC is proud to have Ms. P join our family. In a year and a half, we have seen her growth and development. Her story inspires us to be that support system to the many expectant mothers that walk through our doors looking for a helping hand.
