GIVING BACK UPDATE

Yesterday, I spent time with a young lady who has been assigned to the Community Advisor Program of which I’m a volunteer.  Aimee is 20 years old with a 20 month old son.  She has spent a good deal of her youth in group homes and within the CPS system.  I do not know exactly why and perhaps when I get to know her better, she’ll tell me.   

She does have a mother and father.  They are divorced and live in different parts of the State.  Aimee does not have an automobile and relies on public transportation to get around.  Currently, she is working about 32 hours per week with a local grocery store chain.  Her hours are not ideal for raising a small child, but she feels that she’s fortunate to have a job and that Jayden will adjust.  Jayden goes to a state run childcare facility because they are open until 10:00 pm which allows Aimee to work her shift which is usually until 9:00 pm.  She will be eligible for benefits at her one year anniversary.  

I took them to the Railroad Park in Scottsdale.  I’ve never been there as it is for small children and mine were too big when we moved here 11 years ago.  It’s a lovely park.  We spent a couple of hours there.  We then went for a bite to eat.  Aimee has never taken Jayden to a restaurant and it was quite a challenge keeping him still.   He’s a typical little boy.  Very curious.  

Aimee seems to be a good mom and you can tell that her son loves her.  She’s fairly open and seems to have her head on right.  Jayden does not see is biological father as Aimee feels he is not a good role model and she worries about his safety.  Aimee works hard and would like to go to college to make a better life for herself and her son.

I’m looking forward to learning more about her and her hopes and wishes.  I will blog about my experiences in the months ahead.