Jefferson State Helps Single Moms at Head Start

They come from different backgrounds but the women sitting in the classroom have one thing in common - they are single mothers trying to improve life for themselves and their children.

“My girls mean everything to me, and I want to provide them with a better quality of life,” said Kia Patton, 31, of Pell City.

Patton is one of 16 single mothers whose children are served by the St. Clair County Head Start. It is one requirement for these mothers to attend the Pharmacy Technician Certification Preparation program taught by Jefferson State Community College at St. Clair County Head Start.

The program is funded through a $25,000 grant from The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham.

Patton cares for her three children, works full time and is now attending classes twice a week where her twin daughters attend school, the St. Clair County Head Start.

“I have a lot on my plate,” she said.

Patton said when she was in her 20’s she attended college. At the time, she struggled with depression and eventually left college.

“I work full time, but I also have bills,” she said. “So with this grant becoming available, God was giving me a second chance at something I thought I would never be able to do, and that’s continuing my education. …”

Carla McEwen, who is a pharmacist, is the instructor for the pilot program that offers single mothers a chance to improve their lives through education.

She said her students are highly motivated.

“We haven’t lost anybody, which is awesome,” McEwen said.

The course began in February and all 16 students are expected to complete the program May 16.

The student will then take a test to receive certification as a pharmacy technician.

“I’ve learned a lot,” said Melanie Jones, 33, of Pell City.

Jones, who is a graduate of the Alabama School for the Deaf in Talladega, has two daughters. One daughter attends St. Clair County Head Start program.

“I hope in the future that I can work as a pharmacy technician,” Jones said.

Some students are taking the course to find jobs, while others are just looking to advance their careers and make more money with their current employees.

Patton currently works as a patient care technician at a hospital.

“I want to work in the hospital pharmacy,” she said.

The women attending the 11-week program range in age from 21-31, and live in various communities throughout St. Clair County.

“We aren’t training them for a certificate but to go to work,” said Latoya Orr, executive director for the St. Clair County Head Start program.

She said people have asked her why she wants to prepare these women to become pharmacy technician.

Orr said she found 72 pharmacy technician positions advertised in the surrounding areas, including Birmingham, Shelby County, Talladega and Pell City.

She said most of the jobs advertised pay $12 or more per hour, well above minimum wage.

Orr said by having the program offered at Head Start, the child and parent are being educated simultaneously.

She said the parents do not have to worry about their children.

“We make sure their child is getting quality care,” Orr said.

Orr said she gets emotional just thinking about the women, many of whom were her students at Pell City High School before she became executive director of the Head Start program.

She said when children pass the classroom and see their mothers inside learning, it teaches them the importance of an education.

“It’s inspirational,” Orr said. “It’s an excellent example for their children to see.”

Orr said The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham approved another $25,000 grant for the program next fall, which she said helps combat poverty through the two-generation approach.

She said the Alabama Career Center will help these women find jobs once they complete their certification.

Orr said First United Methodist Church in Pell City also provides lunches for the mothers when they attend the Pharmacy Technician program on Wednesdays and Fridays.

“It’s a big community effort,” she said.

She said this program could encourage some of these women to continue their education and eventually earn college degrees.

“These young women are extremely motivated,” Orr said. “They just needed an opportunity.”
As for Patton, she looks to the future, toward a better life for her and her children.

“I want to be able to eat and pay my bills without government assistance one day,” she said. “And this program is the beginning to that end.”

Story By David Atchison
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