Midwest Nest Magazine
  • Home
  • Latest Issues
  • Features
    • design & diy
    • culture & lifestyle
    • cuisine
  • design challenge
    • Design Challenge 2021 with SCHEELS
    • Detail Photos - Design Challenge 2020
  • About
    • sponsorships & events
    • awards
  • Contact

midwest art, culture & lifestyle

Ending the Cycle of Poverty Two Generations at a Time

12/18/2020

0 Comments

 

The Jeremiah Program

Author:  Alyssa Nishek
Photographer: M. Schleif Photography
Jeremiah Program, Ending Cycles of Poverty Two Generations at a Time, Midwest Nest Magazine
The Jeremiah Program began twenty-two years ago in Minneapolis, Minn., when a diverse array of community members became concerned with the increasing number of children born to single mothers living in poverty. Now, through a two-generational model, the Jeremiah Program has made it their mission to end the cycle of poverty for single mothers and their children. With seven facilities across the nation, including one in our home base of Fargo, N.D., the Jeremiah Program has been able to successfully reach over 4,000 mothers and children. ​

Statistics on the Jeremiah Program members:

  • 100% of the women are single mothers
  • 100% are experiencing poverty (living 30% below area medium income)
  • 60% are people of color, 80% nationally 
  • 44% are first-generation college students

The Jeremiah Program’s Fargo-Moorhead location boasts twenty apartments for use by single mothers, a Child Development Center, library, conference room, community room, and office space.
Read Digital Magazine
The Jeremiah Program, Midwest Nest Magazine

Qualifications of the members in the Jeremiah Program include:

  • Enroll and complete the Jeremiah Program Empowerment course
  • Enroll full time in a collegiate program identified with support from the family services coach
  • Making satisfactory academic progress
  • Maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA
  • Participate in the Jeremiah Program “Life Skills” courses
  • Participate in Jeremiah Program Resident Council 
  • Work part time & contribute 30% of earnings to the program
  • If not working, volunteering is required

The first step for any mother hoping to enter the Jeremiah Program is completion of a 10 week, now virtual, Empowerment course. This course provides an opportunity for mothers to discern what their next step is. 

Lonnie Pederson, Executive Director at the Jeremiah Program’s Fargo-Moorhead location, spoke on the course saying, “Empowerment is a place to potently pause, self-reflect, remember the strengths within, discern and consider what’s next on the path forward, dream boldly about what’s next, and a place where community is forged. There is nothing more powerful than co-journeying with someone who is sharing your experience as a single mom.”

The Jeremiah Program has, ironically, found their outreach expanding in the wake of COVID-19. Shifting the required courses to virtual learning has allowed them to offer the classes to single mothers nationwide. In the current Empowerment course Fall cohort, there are 93 single mothers nationwide, 10 of which are members of the FM location. Pederson, serving as leader of the Jeremiah FM team for two years now, explained, “From the beginning they know they’re part of something larger, the Jeremiah sisterhood is really national in scope.”
The Jeremiah Program, Midwest Nest Magazine
Lonnie Pederson, Executive Director of Jeremiah Program Fargo-Moorhead, Midwest Nest MagazineLonnie Pederson
Lonnie Pederson commented on the new organizational changes saying, “We can enrich our virtual online learning and curriculum so that moms who are at home raising their children as a single parent can access those materials.” The Jeremiah Program provides all mothers with the needed technology to participate. 

Following the completion of the Empowerment course, mothers work closely with family coaches at the Jeremiah Program to get enrolled in collegiate programs of their choice. It is common for mothers at the same time to also move into the provided apartments on the Jeremiah Campus, but some choose to stay at their current place of living if it is suitable and safe. There are currently 14 families residing in the onsite apartments. 

The onsite apartments come fully furnished for the incoming families. There are currently fourteen families living onsite.

empowerment course, Jeremiah Program, Midwest Nest Magazine
Megan Thompson, Admissions/Program Coordinator of Jeremiah Program Fargo-Moorhead, Midwest Nest MagazineMegan Thompson
Megan Thompson, the Admissions/Program Coordinator at the Jeremiah Program, works in close partnership with Cass County Public Health for referrals to the program. Thompson also meets with faculty and staff of the FM area colleges for referrals.

As the Family Services Team, Megan Thompson and Amy Klein, meet with each mom on a minimum bi-weekly basis. Klein serves as the Family Services Manager, coaching the moms living onsite. Thompson works with the incoming moms who are going through Empowerment. As family coaches they provide resources, community referrals, and lend a hand with coordinating all aspects of mothers’ lives. Coordination involves aspects such as navigating through financial aid, enrolling in classes, and employment searches.

Megan Thompson is currently working with a mother living on the West Coast, who is finishing up the required Empowerment course virtually. She will be moving to the Fargo location in December and beginning college courses in the Spring semester. This is just one example of how going virtual due to COVID-19 has expanded the program’s outreach!

Once in the program, mothers are required to attend the Life Skills courses which the Jeremiah Program offers throughout the academic year. Life Skills courses include topics such as parenting skills, healthy relationships, and healthy cooking. Local organizations have even gotten involved, for instance, last Fall US Bank offered a series of ten financial literacy sessions!

Family Services, Jeremiah Program, Midwest Nest Magazine

The Child Development Center (CDC)

Kristen Nelson, Child Development Center Director at Jeremiah Program, Fargo-Moorhead, Midwest Nest MagazineKristen Nelson
Kristen Nelson, Child Development Center Director at the Jeremiah Program’s FM location, spoke on the intention of the center saying, “Before they’re in our program, a lot of the kids were living with family members or in programs that were unsafe or not quality. Our philosophy is that every kid regardless of circumstance should have access to a higher quality early childhood. That way everyone gets the same chance when they get to public school and at success.”

The CDC (Child Development Center) at the Jeremiah Program admits children ages 6 and under. It is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays to provide childcare services while mothers are occupied with work or school. The CDC also welcomes children of other community members.

The goal of the CDC is kindergarten readiness. The fully equipped teaching staff use a creative curriculum, based on environment and routine. They believe children learn best through play and focus on social/emotional skill development. Nelson stated, “We have a lot of kids who have the kindergarten skills. They can count, tell shapes, numbers and letters, but if they don’t have the social/emotional skills it doesn’t matter what they know because they won’t be able to be in the classroom.” 

During the age of virtual learning, the single mothers benefit greatly from the Child Development Center provided by the Jeremiah Program. The center provides them with the personal time they need to earn a college education at home. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are prepared by an onsite cook at the CDC and provided for the children. The pricing for childcare services is based on income. Many mothers qualify for childcare assistance through Cass County. ​

Child Development Center, Jeremiah Program, Midwest Nest Magazine

Ashley’s Testimonial

Ashley Havig interviewed for the Jeremiah Program during the Summer of 2019. At the time, the twenty-nine-year-old mother of one was residing at a Christian Sober Living facility in Fargo. During which, Ashley’s five-year-old son, Ashton, was living with her mother in their hometown of Rolette, N.D., for the past two years. 

Ashley was enrolled in Empowerment the following September and fully moved into the Jeremiah Program by December of 2019. Within a month of moving in, Ashley got her son back and the pair began their new journey. The Jeremiah Program set them up in their own onsite apartment while Ashley enrolled full time at M-State in Moorhead, Minn.

Ashley spoke on her initial experience saying, “I really enjoyed the Empowerment class. I’ve told tons of people here that I wish it were a year-long course; just to meet up with each other and vent and learn more about each other.”

Ashley continues to meet with a family coach at the Jeremiah Program on a bi-weekly basis and enjoys how the program holds her accountable. When asked about her favorite part of Jeremiah, Ashley told us it would have to be that it allows her to be among other single moms who are trying to reach the same goals. She enjoys the sense of community it provides. 

“I’m just really glad I came to this program. I feel like if I went from the sober living to having my own apartment on my own, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today; especially with school, the parenting aspect, the friendships that I’ve made. I’ve done quite a bit of growth since I’ve been here,” said the soon-to-be college graduate. 

Ashley currently works as a Behavior Tech at a recovery center in Dilworth. She will graduate from M-State this December and plans to further her education at MSUM with hopes of becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor. 

​At the end of our time together, Ashley smiled brightly saying, “If I look back 3-4 years ago, I would have never pictured myself being where I’m at today. I got my license back, I got a car, got my own apartment, I’m going to school, and I got my son back!”
Ashley Havig, Jeremiah Program, Midwest Nest Magazine

​Post Jeremiah Program

Mothers are given a 6-month period following their college graduation, so they have support during their transition into the community. However, we were told the first several graduates have been ready to spread their wings much sooner. As part of the mothers’ graduation, the Jeremiah Program teams up with Down Home to decorate and furnish their new apartments or homes. Jeremiah’s partnership with Down Home, a Fargo-Moorhead based non-profit, is one they are entirely grateful for. 

Thinking of ways to give back this holiday season? Here’s how you can get involved? 

Prior to COVID-19, the Jeremiah Program served as a wonderful place for volunteer efforts. Evening childcare services, meal/food donors, tutors, front desk volunteers and special event workers all played an important role in the Jeremiah Program’s outreach.

Area organizations, such as Microsoft, have been regular volunteers at the program in the past. Various local businesses, like Red River Dance, have taken the time to come in to do projects and events with children of the Jeremiah Program. 

Although in person volunteering is not currently an option, there is still a need for Welcome Baskets and Diaper Bank donations!

Donations may include:

  • Diapers
  • Laundry baskets
  • Bath towels 
  • Hand towels 
  • Washcloths 
  • Crib Sheets & Mattress Protector
  • Twin size sheets
  • Twin size comforters 
  • Full size sheets 
  • Full size comforters
  • Shower curtains with rings 
  • Brooms, 
  • Dust Pans,
  • Mops
  • Kitchen & Dish towels 
  • Hot pads or oven mitts 
  • Kitchen 
  • Utensils (spatula, measuring cups, can opener, tongs, ladle, etc.) 
  • Cutting Boards 
  • Dishes 
  • Cups/Glasses
  • Silverware/Serveware
  • All-Purpose cleaners
  • Toilet bowl cleaner 
  • Toilet brushes/Plungers
  • Dish Soap
  • Hand Soap
  • Laundry detergent 
  • Paper Towels
  • Toilet Paper
  • Pots & Pans 
  • Bakeware 
  • Kleenex
Donations can be simply dropped off at the facility. Contact Megan Thompson at mthompson@jeremiahprogram.org with any questions on how you can lend a hand!
Read Digital Magazine
Jeremiah Program, Midwest Nest Magazine
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Midwest Nest loves the culture from the upper midwest, and we are excited to share stories from around the area.

    Archives

    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

    Categories

    All
    1st International Bank And Trust
    Accent Contracting
    Aegean Imports
    Air B&B
    Alley Fair
    Amanda Kreidlkamp
    Amanda Rydell
    Ami Baxter Design
    Anna Lee
    Apartments
    Art
    Art Exhibit
    Art Gallery
    Artist
    Art Studio
    Audra Mari
    Author
    Back Pain
    Back To School
    Backyard Getaway
    Barbara Wolfe
    Bedroom Remodel
    Beer And Fish Company
    Ben Bricks
    Beverly Peters
    Billy Wagness
    Block 8
    Blu 32
    Bluestem Amphitheater
    Blu Water Creek
    Bostad
    Boutique
    Broadway
    Cabin
    Camper Restoration
    Canoe Parade
    Capitol Gallery
    CBD
    CBD Of Fargo
    Charles Cooper
    Child Development Center
    Chiropractor
    Christkindlmarkt
    Christmas
    Cinematography
    City Centre Lofts
    Claudia Johnstone
    Closet Organization
    Connected
    COVID-19
    Craft Fest
    Crafts
    Culinary Concepts
    Cultivating Culture
    Culture
    Dakota Blitz Build 3:10
    Dakota Fine Arts Gallery
    Darcy Simonson
    Davenport
    Designer Homes
    Design Resources Group
    Dillard Apartments
    Dina Schulz
    Down Home
    Downtown Fargo
    Dr. Gefroh Ellison
    Dr. Jason Kelly
    Druthers
    Eco Chic Home
    Eco Chic Home And Handpicked Goods
    Ellie Mae
    Elliot Steinbrink
    Emily Dreyer
    Enclave Companies
    Escape Rooms
    Essentia Health
    Event Center
    Eventide Senior Living
    Fall Fest
    Family Services
    Fargo
    Fargo Escape Room
    Fergus Falls MN
    Finance
    Financial Goals
    First International Bank
    First National Bank
    Floral Design & Art
    FLY Fargo
    FM Area Foundation
    Folkways
    Foss Architecture And Interiors
    Fred And Anna Lassonde
    Fundraiser
    Fuze Entertainment
    Gala
    Garden Design
    Garden Party
    Give Back
    Giving Back
    Going Green
    Grain Designs
    Greece
    Greg Diehl
    Gynecology
    Habitat For Humanity
    Habitat ReStore
    Heart N Soul Community Cafe
    Hemp
    HempDropz
    Hoedown
    Holiday Home Tour
    Holy Kraft
    Home Organization
    House Hunting Checklist
    Howard Soap Company
    Hyp-Happy Kids
    Jack Yackowics
    Jade Nielsen
    Jade Presents
    Jade Properties
    Jared Eischen
    Jasper Hotel
    Jay Fischer
    JBC Commercial
    Jeana Peinovich
    Jenny Junker
    Jeremiah Program
    Jerry Erbstoesser
    Jessica Wachter
    Julian D. Elofson
    Karen Wulfekuhle
    Katherine Pendergast
    Kat's Socks
    Kent Burkhardsmeier
    Kilbourne Group
    Kirsten Waverek
    Krueger Construction
    Lacey Hagensen
    Lake Property
    Lakes Area Home Tour
    Landon's Light
    Landon Solberg
    Lend A Hand Up
    Lifestyle
    Lisa Hemm
    Local Art
    Local Entertainment
    Log The Sauna
    Lonnie Pederson
    Love Always Floral And Events
    Lux Communities
    Luxury Townhomes
    Maria Bosak
    Marion Lake
    Mathew's Voice Project
    McIntosh
    McNeal And Friends
    Mens Apparel
    Minnesota
    Minnesota Rust
    Miracle Moment Initiative
    Model
    Monte Jones
    Moorhead
    Morgan Schleif
    M.Schleif Photography
    Music
    Nancy Erdman
    New Year's Day
    Night Bazaar
    Non Profit
    Non-profit
    North Fargo
    Olive Oil
    Outdoor Design
    Oxbow
    Parade Of Homes
    Perham
    Photography
    Pickels The Dog
    Plains Art Museum
    Providence At Prairie Farms
    Puzzled Escape Rooms
    Rachel Wulfekuhle
    Railee Photography
    Rebuild Our Community
    Red River
    Red River Market
    Reed And Taylor Antiques
    Refinance Your Home
    Ria Czichotzki
    River Keepers
    Robert Leslie
    Roberts Alley
    Rosie Goes To Fargo
    Sculpture
    Shawna Davidson
    Shop
    Shoppes At BLU
    Signs Of A Stroke
    Social Distancing
    Spencer Johannes
    Spine Pain Relief
    Stroke Experts
    Student Athletes
    Studio West Homes
    Summer Camp
    Support
    Support Group
    Supporting Local Artists
    Sydney Fritz
    Tami And AJ Hampson
    Tara Fermoyle
    Tessa Martin
    The Beaty Room
    The Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Center For Creativity
    The Maple Tree
    The Pines
    The Red Poppy
    The White House Company
    The Yard
    Thomsen Homes
    Tim Beaton
    Treehouse
    Unbrushed Gallery
    Unglued
    Uptown And Main
    Uptown Fargo
    Ursula Hegvik
    Vineyard At Marion Lake
    Vintage Rentals
    Violet Velvet
    Virtual Health Care
    Wedding Expo
    Wedding Venue
    West Acres Mall
    Western Products
    YWCA Cass Clay

    RSS Feed


Picture
Client Portal
© 2020 Midwest Nest LLC
Site powered by Rick Rea
Terms and Conditions  |  Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Latest Issues
  • Features
    • design & diy
    • culture & lifestyle
    • cuisine
  • design challenge
    • Design Challenge 2021 with SCHEELS
    • Detail Photos - Design Challenge 2020
  • About
    • sponsorships & events
    • awards
  • Contact