Entering the Buckner Family Pathways program allows single parents to work on their education while providing a safe and stable home for their children. They also receive counseling, resources and other skills to become self-sufficient. The residents also have access to child care assistance and a variety of other services. 

Single mom Shanarica Bennett started Family Pathways in Houston three years ago. While in the program, Shanarica learned life-long lessons and saw a change in her and her children. She recently graduated from nursing school and wrote this letter to express how Family Pathways has prepared her for her next step. 

When I came into the Buckner Family Pathways program, I was lost and full of both trauma and hurt. After having two children before my high school graduation and going through countless other life altering situations, I was broken into a trillion pieces. 

I never knew how much I needed everything Buckner has offered me until I received it. I will be the first to tell you that if you follow the program Buckner has set up, it works – not easy, but it works. 

I remember the day I got the call that my application had been reviewed, and they wanted me to come in for an interview. I was at a point in my life where all I could do was pray. So I prayed before that interview, and I told God that if he gave my children and me this opportunity I would not take it for granted. 

Here we are a few years later and I have managed to finish nursing school, one of the toughest things I have ever done. 

While at Buckner Family Pathways, I passed all my classes attempted, graduated magna cum laude upon finishing nursing school, and I have attended counseling as well as any other classes and services Buckner has offered. 

I know my time at Buckner Family Pathways has come to an end. This is both exciting and scary for me, but I know with the tools Buckner has provided that I will be just fine. 

Although I have completed my nursing program, there is still a long road ahead of me. I am unable to schedule and take the state exam (NCLEX) at the moment due to circumstances out of my control. 

Right now, I am continuing to study hard and apply for jobs until I can get this exam completed, and I cannot wait for the day when I am able to give back to this wonderful program. 

See how Buckner Family Pathways helps single parents in crisis determine the next steps for their family’s future.