DSS helps teen moms graduate, chart career course

Wilson Daily Times - 6/29/2018

June 29--Alana Hill beat the odds.

"You just have to have a mindset on what you want to do and what you want to accomplish," she said. "You've got to make a pathway."

Hill was one of six teen mothers who not only graduated from high school, but also from the Wilson County Department of Socials Services' Success in Schools program. The program aims to keep at-risk teens and teen parents in school to ensure they earn their high school diploma. Two of the graduates were unable to attend Wednesday's ceremony.

Hill, along with her 2-year-old son Karson, celebrated with other teen mothers and their children Wednesday during a ceremony recognizing their achievements.

Families and community leaders also joined them in celebrating their success. The young mothers, who wore their caps and gowns, were recognized one by one and presented with a certificate.

Hill's mother, Charmaine Blanchard, was nearly in tears talking about her daughter's drive to obtain her education despite her circumstances.

"I'm just so grateful and thankful that she just didn't give up," Blanchard said. "She just amazes me sometimes, the things that she does. She's not a quitter."

Success in Schools focuses on teenage parents' strengths while also providing intense case management to encourage, support, educate and motivate them to achieve their goal of a high school diploma. Those in the program gain social and work skills needed to be successful in school, work and life. Program goals include improving school attendance, grades, attitudes and behaviors as well as gaining necessary work and life skills.

"She could have went the other way, but she didn't," Blanchard said. "She is still doing things to further her education."

Hill, who is currently employed, plans to attend Sherrill's University of Barbering and Cosmetology in Raleigh. Other teen mothers who graduated from the program are also either employed or have plans to further their education.

Blanchard said she is grateful for the DSS program.

'NEVER STOP LEARNING'

Mary Mallory, DSS program manager for employment and family well-being, told the young mothers that graduation from high school is an important step that can help open doors to many opportunities in their future and their children's future.

"Whether you are headed to the workforce, preparing for a career in the military or planning to go to college, getting your high school diploma is so important in keeping those options open for your future," Mallory told the girls. "Regardless of your next steps in life, never stop learning."

There are currently 31 teens enrolled in the Success in Schools program for next year, DSS officials said. They've had at least 127 teen mothers graduate from the program since its inception in 2008.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Research shows only 30 to 40 percent of high school girls who become pregnant stay in school and graduate, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

DSS officials said through local research of teenage custodial parents who received child care subsidies prior to the implementation of the Success in School model in August 2008, only 33 percent remained in school or graduated.

In Wilson County, 84 percent of teen parents enrolled in Success in Schools have remained in school or graduated since August 2008.

"These programs are excellent examples of community collaboration and our work to help individuals achieve their full potential," said DSS Director Glenn Osborne. "Our staff work intensely with these teens, as well as our partners with Wilson County Schools. We strive to help these young people understand the value and importance of their high school education. This accomplishment helps them prepare for their future and it has a lasting impact on their children's lives as well."

Graduates this year include Yazmine Melvin, Alana Hill, Donshayla Lucas, Teresa Lucas, Sumiriya Morton and Ja'Kedra Harris.

___

Visit The Wilson Daily Times (Wilson, N.C.) at www.wilsontimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.