HomeMy WebLinkAboutFact Sheet on ProjectTAB I WHAT IS THE PROJECT?
The Mothers' Center is unique to the women/mothers that it serves, they are as varied and
diverse as the women who are involved. The center is "built" according to the visions of
the women that are involved.
The designing of the Mothers' Center is such that it addresses the needs of the particular
women that are members. In describing the Mothers' Center, we speak from a personal
but collective standpoint.
The Mothers' Center is a place where women:
p Are respected for the talents and knowledge that we have acquired during our life's
journey.
p Have a platform where we can explore our capabilities and "uncover" hidden skills.
p Can take leadership and have a voice in designing a program that speaks to our needs
as we have identified.
Can gain additional skills, knowledge and information in a safe and relaxed
environment.
p Share and exchange our life experiences and ways of managing our lives with other
women/mothers (via focus group meetings or in casual conversation).
p Go to make friends, deal with the isolation of motherhood, learn, listen and be
listened to.
p Gain strength and support in dealing with our everyday lives.
p Are continuously being reached and developed for leadership.
Along with the professional community can acquire skills and education to improve
the community and our lives.
p Gain self-confidence in the face of outside criticism and self-doubts about our
capabilities as we continue to parent.
p Can air the complex conflicts we experience in our struggle to balance our family life
with our role in society.
There are three major themes in the design of the Mothers' Center, (1) dignity in
diversity, (2) empowerment and (3) community development.
TAB 7 WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE PROJECT?
Being a mother is what brings us together, but its shared experiences as sisters, as
mothers, and as women that will keep us coming back. It is a safe place to express
feelings and concerns on any subject, and to have those feelings validated. It is a
support system for mothers, offering both a sanctuary and a resource for women who
sometimes feel isolated and undervalued in their role as mothers.
The Mothers' Center provides a safe haven for the us to share our feelings, have a
positive impact on our lives and our communities, acquire information on parenting and
develop a much needed support system.
Each Mothers' Center's activities are designed to address the needs of the specific group
of participating women and mothers. The activities of the local groups are as many and
varied as the members needs, including workshops, seminars, groups, parent -to -parent
information exchanges and events.
In addition to acquiring knowledge from other mothers and from professional
consultants, we learn decision making by consensus and leadership development.
Over the years, the key needs that have been met are:
To build community organizations run by and for women/mothers, that strengthen
women's abilities to create change in their lives, their communities, and society at
large.
The Center will provide an opportunity for us to share solutions, develop small
enterprises, set up adult education, invite a variety of professionals in to work with us,
etc.
p Strengthen families and neighborhoods by establishing Mothers' Centers operated
and sustained by the mothers themselves.
Provide us and the community with parenting education, peer support group,
entrepreneurial skills, etc.
p Give us the opportunity to see our talents blossom, to explore "uncharted waters" and
discover our hidden talents.
p To lessen the isolation of mothering and bring the importance to mothering.
p Increase the sense of community and Individual empowerment.
p Provide support, education and training to strengthen mothers and families.
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p We will increase our understanding of entrepreneurship by owning and operating
our own facility. -
p We will demonstrate an increase in management skills.
p Decrease the isolation and poverty of women with young children that sometimes
lead to low self-esteem, depression and even abuse.
CLIENT OUTCOME GOALS
The following objectives will be measured by self-evaluation.
p I will demonstrate an improvement in my individual dignity and possess a
mutual respect and trust for others.
I will demonstrate a deeper consciousness of my power and potential, of my
right to self -realization, and my right and capacity to define and solve my
own problems.
p I will demonstrate an increase in my leadership roles at home, in my
neighborhood and community.
p I will express a healthier way of functioning thereby decreasing stress and
strengthening my family life.
p I will demonstrate an increase in knowledge of child development of all
ages.
p I will increase my ability to raise my children and meet my family needs.
p I will increase my confidence and courage to defend my children's and my
families' needs in the public sector.
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