Jeremiah Program Invites Community Leaders To Learn Their Mission
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Since 2014, the Jeremiah Program has helped single mothers pursue their professional goals either in school or work while taking care of their children. In 2023, 155 moms and children participated in JP’s two-generation programming.
“The mission is to disrupt the cycle of poverty two generations at a time. So we do this holistically by providing housing, high-quality early childhood program, and one one-on-one coaching,” said Laetitia Mizero Hellerud, Executive Director At Jeremiah Program.
Across nine cities throughout the country, the program has served over 2,000 moms and children. With many after their child’s graduation, volunteering or being a part of their Fellowship.
“There’s been a lot of opportunities that I’ve had through JP for public speaking and now the fellowship. And just things I would never have been able to do before or had the confidence to do, getting into public policy,” said Kylie Schultz, panelist.
For several of the moms on the panel, when they first heard of the Jeremiah Program they thought it was not real. But hearing it from employers and clinical workers made them change their minds and reach out.
“Having my daughter drove me to do something better with my life and so in the pursuit of college I managed to find JP and it was probably one of the more profound experiences in my life,” said Tory Queensley, panelist.
For Maia Jackson, she believed that with no place to go, she would one day end up as a school lunch lady, but now she is studying for the LSAT to go to law school.
“It really shows you that your life doesn’t have to be defined by stereotypes or put into a box because of your new role as a mom, especially a single mom who didn’t complete school. And so, it’s really helped me believe in myself more and find a community that supports me,” said Maia Jackson, panelist.
The Jeremiah Program encourages anyone interested in learning more about their facilities to stop in and take a tour.
