FINDING BALANCE
SPRING 2006

“Take Your Place”

If any of you went to see Madea’s Family Reunion written and directed by Tyler Perry – there is one specific scene that had true meaning. During the actual family reunion, the character played by Cicely Tyson spoke about family and a responsibility to ‘take your place’. I was intrigued when she was speaking to the family, because it is very apparent how we are responsible for the legacy that came before us and the generations that will come after.

As single working mothers of color we continue down a journey where we must take our place and stand for our children and generations to come. Our Second Annual Financial Stewardship Conference was another great success – and we were able to take our place. SMOC members who embraced “National Turn off TV Week” with your family – again you were able to take your place.

Currently, our nation is in a crude oil war in and of itself. Many of us have included the price of gas in our monthly budget, downsized or eliminated items such as cable television and text messaging off our cellular phone. We are car pooling, doing one stop shopping, and staying at home more. I guess it could be worse – or like in London, England with gas prices approaching $7.00 per gallon.

Congratulations to SMOC member Danielle and little Courtney for the purchase of their new home. We are looking forward to your housewarming!

Please continue to share our SMOC Homeownership 2010 initiative with your family and friends. The overall mission is to dispel the myths associated with being a working single mother and make the dream of homeownership come true.

SMOC Membership Drive begins on Mother’s Day and ends June 30. Also, in the month of June, we focus on becoming Legally Savvy by learning and asking questions about legal matters that may be affecting our lives. Bring a friend. Continue to keep SMOC member Nancy and family in your prayers and that all will be well.

Lastly, I share this quote with you: “My generation is still struggling to find the balance between love and freedom, sex and romance, family and career”; Catherine Sanderson from the book Babylon Sisters by Pearl Cleage.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Stephanie Cross
SMOC Director

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