Bed-Stuy Welcomes a New Organization that Supports Teen Moms in Completing their Education

Dec. 4, 2012 - PRLog -- Bed-Stuy Welcomes a New Organization that Supports Teen Moms in Completing their Education

Local politicians, non profits, small business owners and community residents show support for A Young Mother’s D.R.E.A.M. a non profit now located in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn that supports teen moms in completing their education.

Brooklyn, NY Dec 4, 2012 – A Young Mother's D.R.E.A.M., a non-profit working to support young mothers 16-23yrs old to complete their HS and college education by promoting healthy choices, goal setting and education opened its doors to the community on Wednesday November 28th 2012 5-8pm to share information about their programs and volunteer opportunities.  Over 50 gathered in the A young Mother’s D.R.E.A.M. new office space located in the heart of Bed-Stuy at 1166 Bedford Ave (corner of Madison).  Among the guests included Assemblyman Karim Camara and Senator Kevin Parker, both who have supported the organization for the past two years since it became a 501c3 nonprofit organization.  

The attendees heard a heartfelt speech from scholarship recipient Alexandra Vasquez who received a $2100 scholarship from A Young Mother’s D.R.E.A.M earlier this year. Alexandra, who attends Hunter College, shared that “the scholarship was more than just financial support, but motivation to succeed knowing that there is a community supporting my (her) efforts” They also heard from current DreamChasers mentee, Shatia Burks, who talked about the strong bond that has already formed between her and her mentor Natalie Williams. “My mentor is me in the future.” These are exactly the type of bonds that were expected for the program. The DreamChasers mentoring program is in its 2nd cycle and pairs young mothers with former teen moms helps the mentees in the program visualize what their futures can be like despite the obstacles they currently face.  

Nariya Worrell, Program Director for A Young Mother’s D.R.E.A.M. shared her vision for the future of the program and the importance of “building a strong community of support”. The community Nariya spoke of was evident at the office warming which was also filled with mentees in the DreamChasers Mentoring program, their children, mentors and potential program participants.  There was sense of hope and excitement for the future in the air.  

“Dreams are what you might imagine for your future, but setting clear short term and long term goals increases your chances of achieving those dreams. Goals give your dreams legs,” said A Young Mother’s D.R.E.AM. Founder and Executive Director, Geneva Farrow.  The organization helps young mothers with goal setting, healthy choices and education resources.

“A Young Mother's D.R.E.A.M. is constantly striving to strengthen our community by helping young moms defy the odds and overcome the barriers they face in completing their education. Currently, 67% of young moms are living in poverty due to lack of education and opportunities and our goal is to change this harsh reality.” said Geneva Farrow.

The community rallied behind the organization with food donations coming from Metropolitan City Market and Joloff, a Senagalese restaurant, both located on Bedford Ave. The organization also received cupcakes from small business owner Keisha Taylor of Sweets at Midnight.  

On October 1, 2012 A Young Mother's D.R.E.A.M. officially moved into 1166 Bedford Ave in Brooklyn NY.  The local non-profit had been operating without official office space for a little over a year by leveraging the space of their partners to offer workshops and other programming. Now that the organization has secured their own home, they have numerous ways to expand their current program offerings.  In addition to their Dream Chasers mentoring program, A Young Mother's D.R.E.A.M.'s current programming also includes the Defy the Odds Scholarship and No Girl Left Behind Radio show.  

If you have questions about A Young Mother's D.R.E.A.M. or would like to get involved, please contact info@youngmothersdream.org or call 646.481.1693

A Young Mother's D.R.E.A.M. is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to assist young/teen moms in completing their education through a one-on-one mentorship program. To motivate them to become more accomplished individuals. To instill determination, resilience and excellence as core characteristics for these mothers. To work together to decrease teen pregnancies by promoting healthy choices, goal setting and education. To learn more about our program visit http://www.youngmothersdream.org