Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers, a charitable organization dedicated to providing unwavering support and educational services to prenatal and parenting young women aged 14-29, has been transforming the lives of young mothers and their families in the York Region since 1985. Serving as a beacon of hope, the organization empowers young mothers, nurtures their strengths, and illuminates the path towards a brighter future.
What sets Rose of Sharon apart is the dedication and compassion of its community volunteers, who support young mothers in their challenging journey of caring for their children and building their own lives. Even in the face of unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, these selfless volunteers have gone above and beyond to ensure that young families receive the care and support they desperately need. From coordinating food deliveries to meticulously sorting through donations and making safe doorstep deliveries of Family Care Packages, these volunteers have become a rock of support for young families.
“Our collective team, consisting of our board of directors, staff, and dedicated volunteers, contributes a diverse array of expertise, skills, and experiences to support the well-being of the young mothers and their children who utilize our services.” said Deanne Kukulewich, Executive Director, Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers
Rose of Sharon offers a range of programs and services tailored to meet the unique needs of pregnant and parenting young mothers, all provided free of charge. Individual counseling and prenatal education lay the foundation for navigating the challenges they face, while parenting workshops and high school support programs equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for personal growth and nurturing their children's development. The organization creates a safe and inclusive space where young mothers can learn, grow, find solace, and a sense of belonging.
Rose of Sharon remains committed to empowering young mothers, helping them embrace their strengths and work towards the future they envision for themselves and their children.
However, the organization cannot achieve this alone. They call upon the community to extend their support to the young families in need. Financial donations play a crucial role in funding essential services such as personal counseling, high school support, food security, and practical resources. These donations also ensure that vital online workshops covering topics like prenatal care, parenting skills, family nutrition, and child development remain accessible to those who need them most.
“We all admire our resilient young mothers who work tirelessly to create a brighter future for themselves and their children.” added Kukulewich
The impact of Rose of Sharon's programs is truly remarkable, as stories of transformation unfold within its walls. The organization's commitment to its mission is evident through the successes achieved by its participants. Education is a vital aspect, and Melissa , their dedicated YCDSB teacher who teaches at Rose of Sharon’s York Academy, has worked tirelessly to develop and deliver a curriculum that seamlessly blends on-site classes and online learning. Through her dedication, she ensures that every student has the necessary technology and teaching support to participate and successfully complete their courses. This year, six young women will celebrate their graduation, a testament to their perseverance and the support they received from Rose of Sharon.
The organization relies on financial assistance from program grants, community donations and special event fundraisers to support Rose of Sharon’s free services.
Their largest fundraiser is the 4th annual Charity Golf Classic held on Saturday, September 16th at Silver Lakes Golf & Country Club. The tournament offers a fun day of golf with contests, raffle and auction. Celebrity Guest, John Catucci host of Food Network’s ‘Big Food Bucket List!” keeps everyone in good spirits as golfers and sponsors enjoy their round of golf and raise money to support Rose of Sharon’s programs.
Kukulewich emphasized “Donations play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding the reach of our organization's mission. Your donation helps us create a positive impact to empower these young women to reach their goal of building a better life for themselves and their family.”
The need for these services continues, and Rose of Sharon remains steadfast in its mission to provide young mothers with the opportunity to work towards their goals in a supportive, learning-centered environment while parenting their young children.
With the ongoing support of the community, Rose of Sharon can continue making a lasting impact on the lives of young mothers, empowering them to create a brighter future for themselves and their children.
To know more about Rose of Sharon’s services and how you can support this community organization please visit them online.