Several years ago, a women’s retreat I attended chose to benefit a charity through the donation of essential supplies. The Refuge Ranch in Bastrop, Texas, just southeast of Austin, provided residential care and support for former victims of sex trafficking. Many clients were adolescent girls. As part of our retreat, we packed “goody bags” forContinue reading “Support for Single Moms: Arms of Hope”
Tag Archives: family
Partnerships Supporting Teen Moms: Nurse-Family Partnership
I’ve been writing the past few months about my serious concerns for the well-being of pregnant teens, teen moms, and their children. They risk poverty, health crises, and other serious challenges. I fear the resources available to them will shrink even more in the upcoming administration. As we begin a new year, I’d like toContinue reading “Partnerships Supporting Teen Moms: Nurse-Family Partnership”
Sixteen and Pregnant … Roadblocks Ahead
“My dad told me having this baby was my punishment for having sex,” a student in my biology class once told me. I was startled for a moment but finally said, “Please don’t ever think of your baby as a punishment.” I was angry that her father would tell her such a thing. Learning yourContinue reading “Sixteen and Pregnant … Roadblocks Ahead”
List of Joys
When life becomes stressful, we can overlook everyday pleasures. Because of a recent and ongoing difficult situation for me, I’m motivated to actively discover and cultivate a sense of joy. It’s the best antidote I know to prevent bitterness or despair. When it seems circumstances might suck all gladness from my heart, I become moreContinue reading “List of Joys”
What’s in a Name?
I once heard someone advocate for a minimum age requirement for getting a tattoo by comparing body art to a drunken climb up a water tower with a can of spray paint. “At seventeen, you might think it will impress your girlfriend to scrawl her name inside a heart where everyone driving by can enjoyContinue reading “What’s in a Name?”
Janice Airhart 