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Shentia Simmons will graduate on Saturday from East Texas A&M University with a degree in special education, thanks to the help of The Gatehouse in Grapevine.
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The non-profit’s newest Education Track Initiative aims to help single moms overcome crises and hardships to complete their secondary education.
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Simmons will have her placement test for her teaching certificate next month.
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The Gatehouse has served more than 700 women and their families.
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Shentia Simmons will graduate on Saturday from East Texas A&M University with a degree in special education, thanks to the help of The Gatehouse in Grapevine.
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The non-profit’s newest Education Track Initiative aims to help single moms overcome crises and hardships to complete their secondary education.
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Simmons will have her placement test for her teaching certificate next month.
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The Gatehouse has served more than 700 women and their families.
GRAPEVINE, Texas:The first Education Track program in the area is working well for a nonprofit organization in North Texas.
The newest program at The Gatehouse assists women who were homeless in getting back on track to obtain master’s and college degrees for highly sought-after occupations.
After leaving an abusive relationship, single mother Shentia Simmons lost her house and ended up homeless, realizing she needed help.
“It was a difficult time in our life where it was time to start all over,” she stated. “It was an unexpected, devastating, scary time not knowing what you were going to do the next day, where you were going to stay.”
She found the Gatehouse in Grapevine through an internet search.
“Wow!” was my reaction when they informed me that they had daycare. “So many doors were opened,” Simmons remarked.
However, it gave Simmons the best chance to achieve her goal of becoming a special education teacher by enabling her to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Simmons will receive his organizational leadership degree from East Texas A&M University on Saturday.
Simmons asserted, “It’s never too late,” “Don’t stop dreaming.”
Simmons’ mother has also served as an inspiration to her three children, particularly Emir Duffey, age nine.
“A child that came in that didn t communicate and was withdrawn,” she stated. “He s a whole new child with counseling and being able to have me present and being able to parent.”
Ryon Rhoden, Simmons’ 19-year-old son, is currently enrolled at Texas State University to pursue a degree in computer technology.
“I found it to be relieving. I was thrilled to learn that my mother possessed that talent. He remarked, “She didn’t have to worry about the little things, like figuring out where we were going or what we were going to do the next day.” “Just that peacefulness for her really helped me be at peace.”
Makaila Rhoden, Simmons’ 25-year-old daughter, is pursuing her studies to become a therapist.
“My mother has always instilled faith in us. We learned faith from her. Her faith is as strong as a mustard seed. She has a lot of hope. She remarked, “I believe she will be an excellent teacher and leader. “I think what she has to offer is exactly what the world needs.”
“God has been the author and finisher of our story,” stated Simmons. “There is success if you just keep moving forward, keep the faith.”
Next month, Simmons will take her placement exam for her teaching credential.
Over 700 women and their families have received services from the Gatehouse.
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Lori Brown of FOX 4 interviewed a member of The Gatehouse’s Education Track Initiative.
Lori Brown of FOX 4 interviewed a member of The Gatehouse’s Education Track Initiative.
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