Initial Written Reflection - Julia Palomino

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Local ministry Step by Step is nurturing children and leading your mothers on a path to hope and success.

Parenting. It’s a challenge and ordeal, a series of never-ending questions and perplexing situations. Though well worth the labor of love, this adventure was meant for two people, a husband and wife working alongside each other for the wellbeing of their children. Unfortunately for many families, this partnership is not a reality. Today many young mothers, often in their teens, are struggling to raise children on their own. Whatever the circumstances that led them to be a single parent, many young women now face this immense challenge.

From a small office along a street-side in Lexington, KY, a ministry has undertaken the challenge of aiding single moms, giving them essential support and seeking to lead them to lasting faith. This ministry, called Step by Step, has brought hope to over 2,000 young mothers and 3,500 children.

It provides a biweekly meeting on Thursday evenings, where mothers and children can partake in a warm meal, Bible study, and encouraging fellowship. Throughout the year workshops are given on goal setting, emotional healing, and life skills such as budgeting or applying for a job. The organization focuses on giving mothers and children the support they need to heal from the past and move forward. Step by Step has helped many go back to work or receive their G.E.D. and higher education.

Indeed, Step by Step seeks to combat the comprehensive cycle of poverty, one of the most fundamental issues of modern American society. Teens, especially female teens, from lower socioeconomic classes are often stereotyped and marginalized. America’s economy and culture offer a limited range of opportunities for women in poverty, and this range becomes far more limited once they have children. Step by Step works alongside these women, providing them the physical, educational, emotional, and spiritual support that they need. Through this ministry’s compassion and aid, many women have achieved greater success than they ever would have thought possible.

As indicated by their website, as well as all volunteers, this ministry rests on a foundation of Christian faith. Their website contains a statement of faith, which outlines precisely what this ministry believes and the biblical basis for those beliefs. Step by Step’s entire purpose is to bring young mothers and children to faith in Jesus Christ, so that they may know the hope and life He offers. Since their website reveals this faith basis so clearly, it’s evident that this purpose truly lies at the heart of the ministry.

Personally, I’m thrilled to be serving with this ministry. Its insight into the lives of these women and how to help them amazes me, and as a Christian, I firmly believe in Step by Step’s purpose. My further posts will describe my experiences working with the ministry. I can’t wait to share stories, see how Jesus works through this ministry, and walk with these mothers and children step by step!