Samora Coles, Founder and Executive Director of The Alex House Project, is forging pathways for young mothers to navigate parenthood and break free from poverty’s grip. Having experienced the hurdles of early parenthood herself, Coles is determined to streamline the journey for others. She’s committed to equipping young mothers with the tools they need to nurture their children effectively while also opening doors to fulfilling career prospects, ensuring financial stability for their families.
Reflecting on your own journey, what do you recall it was like when you discovered you were expecting at a young age?
I found out I was pregnant when I was 17. Being so young and expecting a child was scary and isolating. None of my friends were pregnant, and I didn’t know what to do. Even though I had people around me, I felt utterly alone. I think this was because of my age and the fact that I was still in high school, and I wasn’t around other people my age who were pregnant.
Did you have or were you able to develop a strong support system when you became a young mother?
My answer to that question would be no. Although I had some family support from my grandparents, they were older and could only support me by providing shelter and food. I also had friends, who provided me with surface emotional support, but because they didn’t understand first-hand what I faced as a young expectant mother, there was only so much they could offer. When I became a young mom, there weren’t any support groups or other teen moms around me going through the same situation I was. I juggled raising a child and attending school without proper support. Only when I got older did I start seeking options for support systems.
How did you bring your vision to create The Alex House Project to life?
In hindsight, I had already been creating The Alex House Project five years before I started in 2013, preparing myself mentally. I was already working with teens and young moms through another organization in my neighborhood called The Red Hook Initiative. After working there for almost two years, my former boss, current friend, and mentor Jill came to me and asked if I had ever considered starting a women’s group. Of course, I was not interested and expressed that to her, but I thought more about it and decided if I ever did something like that, it would be for teen/young moms. Little did I know, that question set the stage for what we now know as the Alex House Project. The Alex House Project manifested organically because of the particular need in my community and my ability to relate to the population that needed support. Everything just flowed into place.
What are some of the most common concerns you find young expectant parents are facing?
Younger expectant parents face many of the same concerns as older parents regarding finding childcare, appropriate housing, and employment. However, those challenges are compounded for younger parents, particularly those who are still legally minors. Housing is a significant factor in sustaining a family, but parents under the age of 18 cannot, on their own, rent an apartment or qualify for housing assistance. And oftentimes, their current living situation isn’t the environment they would want to raise a child in. Many of them come from the foster care system or live with their parents in an already overcrowded home. Finding sustainable and gainful employment, not just seasonal or part-time work is another challenge young parents face, more so if they haven’t received a high school diploma or GED. All the while, they are still trying to balance attending school and graduating on time with caring for a child. If they’re not the custodial parent, they must also support the child financially. Housing, employment, and education are the top three challenges for young parents.
When did it become clear to you that helping other mothers have a less challenging path was a part of your mission?
It became clear in 2013 when I was working at a correctional facility, and some moms kept texting me that they needed to talk to me. They needed resources and supplies, but I couldn’t reach them. The fact that I had to tell them I couldn’t do anything for them cut me so deep because I was once them. When I was 17, I was looking for answers and support, looking for somebody to hear me or for someone to talk to about everyday struggles when raising a child, and I didn’t have anyone. I made it my business to dedicate my life to providing a space to support young mothers and young families.
The Alex Project has been an active Nonprofit for over ten years now. What have you learned during that time that you wish you would have known during the early years?
I’ve come to realize that I can’t do everything alone. I’m not a magician and can’t single-handedly support every young mother. I wish I had understood earlier in my journey how important it is to surround myself with other nonprofit founders, women in business, and other entities supporting youth and community, particularly young mothers. Creating my community of resources would have helped me reach a larger audience during the early stages of building The Alex House Project. I am doing that now, and we have made a more significant impact.
What are some ways people can help support The Alex House Project?
People can support us by staying in touch with our organization. Follow us on social media, check out our website, and join our mailing list to stay current on events and opportunities to get involved, volunteer, or donate. After four years of operating virtually, we are excited to announce that we are moving into a dedicated physical space, much larger than where we started, where we will serve our young parents and children face-to-face. It’s our village that helps make this possible. So be a part of our village! We are accepting monetary donations or sponsorship in the form of items from our wish list. Supporters can find more information about these opportunities at www.alexhouseproject.org/building-fund. Every effort to support us is much appreciated.
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