Parenting is a difficult job. It’s a title that comes with many hats, roles and responsibilities.

Mediator. Provider. Chef. Chauffeur. Nurse. Tutor. And sometimes, student.

In Texas, student parents make up 26% of the undergraduate population, and 158,936 of that percentage are single mothers.

Earning a degree is a feat within itself, but when combined with the responsibilities of raising a family, it can be overwhelming. Especially when you’re doing it alone.

Only about 8% of single mother students graduate with their associate or bachelor’s degrees. Buckner Family Pathways® is dedicated to changing this statistic and equipping student parents with the tools they need to succeed.

The Family Pathways program focuses on providing single-parent families with the basic needs of safety and security while supporting them on the steps to self-sufficiency. Resources include affordable housing, financial training, counseling and more, providing residents with tangible skills that will follow and support them, even as they transition out of the program.

“I have seen moms realize their potential and the trajectory of their lives take a different direction,” shared Jordyn Moore, director of Family Pathways in Lubbock, Texas. “The moment it clicks for them once they realize, ‘I can do this. This is going to benefit my family,’ it’s like you can’t stop them.”

“You have these moms who may or may not have wanted to be single, and they’re trying to build a life for their children and get back on their feet, and we get to provide the opportunity to help that happen,” Moore continued.

There are seven Family Pathways locations across Texas, empowering single parents to transform their families and future generations in multiple communities.

Gaining skills and resources needed as a single parent

For Reynelda McDonald, the Family Pathways program in Lubbock became the opportunity that helped her get her life back.

Spending the last 15 years as a stay-at-home mom to her six children, McDonald figured a full-time degree and career wasn’t in the cards for her. However, when she was unexpectedly left doing it all on her own, it became her only option.

“When I got to that point, I knew I needed to go to school,” McDonald said. “I was working two jobs and barely making it. I knew I had to go to school to make a better life for my kids.” 

As a former Buckner volunteer, she trusted she could turn to Buckner for assistance. And the Family Pathways program not only gave her the opportunity to pursue a degree, but the ability to enjoy it as well.

“Because of this program, I’m able to live, not just survive,” she shared. “Buckner has become a lifeline of sorts. I don’t have to stress about ‘all the things,’ everything isn’t on my shoulders.”

McDonald is currently pursuing an associate degree at South Plains College with a focus on social work, alongside one of her daughters. 

Offering a source of support and encouragement through trials and celebrations

Family Pathways is not just a physical resource for families, but also acts as one of their biggest cheerleaders. For single parent students, the program has become a constant source of encouragement in their corner. 

“It’s been great to advocate for the program and spread awareness,” said Gracie Favela, director of Family Pathways in Midland, Texas. “It’s meaningful to let single moms and dads know they have resources available to them.” 

Celebrating their biggest wins and helping during difficult seasons, it’s a community that current Family Pathways residents urge other struggling single parents to not miss out on, like Amber Gamboa.

Gamboa is a resident at Family Pathways in Midland and is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science for Sonography at Midland College.

“If you know a single mom who is curious about the program, push them toward it,” Gamboa encouraged. “I wish I would have known about it a long time ago. It’s helped bring my self-worth back. It’s hard being a single mom and going to school, and it’s changed my perspective.”

Written by Lexi Pate, marketing intern for Buckner International.

Are you a single parent who needs support to accomplish your academic and financial goals? Learn more about Buckner Family Pathways® or fill out the inquiry form to start the application process.