Graduation is always a time for celebration, but for many women across Texas, it meant even more after the adversities and challenges they've faced throughout their lives. Several of the Buckner Family Pathways® parents graduated from college this spring – a huge accomplishment in their journey toward self-sufficiency and healing.
 
The Family Pathways program is for single parents pursuing their educational or vocational goals, such as earning degrees. It’s designed to help single parents experience a safe place to determine the next steps for their family’s future while having support with child care, counseling and more.
 
Single-parent programs help single moms or dads overcome barriers that prevent self-sufficiency, such as education, career prospects and life skills. These barriers ultimately affect the potential for children to succeed at school and later in their adult lives.
 
In 2023, Family Pathways served 159 families. This means 159 single parents are working to break the cycle for future generations and transform into strong, successful and sustainable families.
 
We are so proud of our graduates across Texas, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for them and their families. Meet a few of our inspiring graduates below.

Amarillo

Janae: Janae is a former Family Pathways resident who graduated this May with a Master of Social Work degree from Oklahoma University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from West Texas A&M University while she was still in the program.
 
Shantell: Shantell received an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration from Amarillo College this May. She is staying in the Family Pathways program and has transferred to West Texas A&M University where she will complete a bachelor’s degree in social science.
 
Elise: Elise received an Associate of Applied Science in Education. She is staying in the Family Pathways program and has transferred to Texas Woman’s University where she will work toward earning a bachelor’s degree in education to become a teacher.
 
Elle: Elle completed a bachelor’s degree in communications from West Texas A&M University. She is looking to start her career in public relations and is applying for jobs in her field. She will successfully complete the Family Pathways program in July.
 
“We are proud of all our graduates and the dedication and hard work they have put in to make their dreams a reality!” shared Melanie Rice, Family Pathways director in Amarillo.

Dallas

Alicia: Alicia graduated from Dallas College with an associate degree in science, a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M Commerce and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education: ELA, specializing in SPED and ESL at American University.
 
Tarikua: Tarikua graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in business.
 
Maria: Maria graduated from Dallas Community College with an associate degree in science and a certification in phlebotomy.
 
Jasmine: Jasmine graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She is also now a registered nurse.
 
Tia: Tia graduated from International Beauty College with a nail technician certification. She has been a licensed technician since 2023.
 
Lynette: Lynette graduated from the University of North Texas in Denton with a Bachelor of Science in geography with a minor in anthropology and a certificate in sustainability.
 
Renee: Renee graduated from Tarrant County Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in general studies. She has obtained licenses in property & casualty insurance, and life and health insurance.

Houston

Kerstin: Kerstin graduated from Houston Community College with a 3.0 GPA and earned an associate degree in business. She was accepted to the Marilyn Davis College of Business at the University of Houston-Downtown and will start this fall to earn a bachelor’s degree in business.

Longview

Lauren: Lauren graduated from Kilgore College with an Associate of Applied Science in advertising and graphic design. She is successfully transitioning out of the program and has been hired for a paid internship in marketing for a local real estate company.
 
Chanel: Chanel graduated from Kilgore College with an Associate of Arts degree. Chanel will continue in the Family Pathways program and pursue an Associate of Science degree in Nursing at Kilgore College.
 
Whitney: Whitney graduated from Panola College with an Associate of Applied Science degree. Whitney will continue in the Family Pathways program and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UT Tyler.

Lubbock

Hannah: Hannah graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies. Hannah is planning on pursuing a master’s degree in human development and to work as a child life specialist.
 
Kimberly: Kimberly graduated from South Plains College with a degree as a physical therapy assistant. Kimberly plans to find a job after she takes her physical therapy assistant certification exam this summer.

Are you interested in pursuing your educational goals but not sure how? Find out more about Buckner Family Pathways®.