Being a teenager today is tough enough. Friendships, body image, social media, finding your voice, discovering who you are as a person. Now imagine trying to navigate parenthood and caring for a baby at the same time.
This is the challenge facing many young mothers in York Region. Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers is there as a support system for these young women as they raise their babies. Rose of Sharon offers free supportive programs to pregnant and parenting youth.
They support around 300 young mothers and their children in York Region every year through a variety of free services. These young women, who could be homeless, living in a shelter, or couch surfing with friends, are often marginalized. Add a young child into the mix, and it’s a stressful situation for anyone to be in, let alone a teenager.
“There’s self doubt; imagine being really young, and you’re already questioning who you are and you’re questioning your ability to take care of your baby,” said Deanne Kukulewich, executive director at Rose of Sharon.
“From the surveys we do, we learn time and time again that praise, somebody saying: ‘You’re being a really great mom,’ and: ‘What a great job you’re doing’, they do feel more confident. That they are making a difference. That they are making the best life for their baby.”
One way Rose of Sharon helps put these mothers in the path to success is by offering an on-site high school called York Academy where they can work towards their high school diploma and aim toward further education. This past school year, York Academy celebrated the achievement of six successful graduates.
The school buses each student residing in York Region to York Academy and provides free childcare for their baby while the mothers work in class towards their goal. Students and their babies enjoy a nutritious breakfast and lunch, which supports their growth and enhances their ability to learn.
With the generous support of community donations and program funding, Rose of Sharon can offer all these services at no cost. And they raise funds through major events, like their annual charity golf tournament. This year’s event happens on September 19 at Silver Lakes Golf & Country Club.
Attendees can expect a day full of fun on the fairways, lots of food and drink, raffle prizes, and a silent auction. Rose of Sharon’s 5th annual golf tournament will also be hosted by Celebrity Guest John Catucci, Comedian and Food Network Canada Host of “You’ve Gotta Eat Here!” and “Big Food Bucket List”.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event, and foursomes can still register for the tournament on September 19. Every round helps ensure young mothers in York Region continue to receive these critical services free of charge. To register or for more information, visit RoseofSharon.com/Golf.
Another fundraising event that is crucial to Rose of Sharon’s fundraising efforts is Market Brewing Company’s charity bingo nights, happening Thursdays in October. And there’s also a benefit concert hosted by Amanda Wilson of Desjardins Insurance on November 30 headlined by “From The Hip.”
As the saying goes, it takes a village to support these families. But thanks to the outpouring support from York Region, Rose of Sharon continues to offer a safe space for young mothers to raise healthy children. It not only builds a brighter future for the mothers, but it lays the groundwork for a brighter future for their kids as well.
“We would not be able to do this without the generosity of our community,” Kukulewich said. “It sends a positive message to our young mothers that people are thinking of them and want the best for them and their babies.”
To register your team or for sponsorship information about Rose of Sharon’s 5th annual golf tournament, visit the Rose of Sharon website.
And for more details about the crucial work Rose of Sharon provides for young mothers in York Region, visit RoseofSharon.com.
