We are currently in the planning stages of a new cycle of "Thrive" and are excited to see what God is going to do with our new group of participants. We've begun talking about "Thrive" with new young mothers who attend other Stepping Stones program's and are encouraging them to take advantage of this once in a life time opportunity.

It's heartbreaking for us to hear the stories of hurt and the ways young mothers feel trapped in their lives. One young mom who has already sent in her application shared her struggles of substance abuse and a childhood filled with instability and neglect. Another young mother relayed how she feels trapped in a relationship with the father of her children and how she is unsure of who she is anymore.

The good news is that we believe there is hope for each young mother who is trying to break generational cycles of emotional, spiritual and financial poverty. We have seen many lives transformed through the "Thrive" program and are excited to work with a new group this September. One young mother who went through a previous "Thrive" cycle recently stated, "Thrive changed my life forever."

This year we are enhancing our existing group counseling sessions with a technique called photo-therapy. It is a way for participants to express themselves creatively and connect on a deeper level with the topics we cover during "Thrive". Jennifer Mervyn, our "Thrive" psychologist, is in need of camera's for the 10-week course that begins on September 19, 2011. If anyone has a camera they would like to donate or allow us to use, we would appreciate it!