“My name is Shasta*, and I am 26 years old. I have three children who are seven years old, six years old, and one year old. I have lived at The Vine [formerly Baptist Children’s Home, OKC] for almost six months now. I decided to come to The Vine after I graduated from Jordan’s Crossing. I was so excited when I was informed you get to have your children live with you at The Vine!“One thing I like most about living on campus is the great support you get from everyone.”“Life in White Cottage is amazing! I get to live in a beautiful home, and I also get to meet some super sweet moms. I could not have asked for a better family advisor. She is such a support and mentor to me in our cottage.
“My day-to-day life starts off with taking my one-year-old to daycare and then going to school from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. After I pick my daughter up from daycare, I go home to cook dinner, or I go to an AA meeting, and then it is bathtime and bedtime! Some of my favorite things are going to AA meetings and helping others work through the steps of AA, and I love taking my kids to the park on campus.
“I dropped out of school in the 11th grade. I was given the opportunity to live at Jordan’s Crossing in October 2023, and upon arrival they had sign-up for G.E.D. testing. I figured, ‘Why not?’ While at Jordan’s Crossing, I passed my reading, writing and science test, leaving only my math and social studies. When I got to The Vine, I enrolled in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and was working on my last test. On April 18, 2024, I earned my diploma along with an outstanding student achievement award! I decided to pursue my education because I wanted to make my family proud and also teach my children to never give up. I am currently working on my nursing degree at Oklahoma City Community College, and I chose this path because I am very passionate about helping others.
“Something I have recently learned at Bible study is trusting God with everything. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.’ I am seeing the verse play out in my life right now! God has given me so many blessings and has opened many doors for me.
I am so proud of my resilience and determination to excel in life. My hope for the future is to earn my nursing degree, get a good job and give my children the absolute best life possible.
“If I had to give any advice to someone who was nervous about coming to our campus, I would say, ‘I was nervous too, but it was the best choice I have made, and now I have an incredible support group/ family.’”
The Vine and Baptist Children’s Home both offer care for single moms and their children. The goal of these campuses is to help the families become productive and more self-sufficient by providing a safe, stable, and nurturing place to live, while equipping, assisting, and teaching important skills that assist both the mother and the children.
Will you join us in bringing love into action for children and families across Oklahoma by seeking help or giving to one of our programs that matter to you?
*Name changed to protect privacy.