As soon as Brittany Fishar wakes up, she starts running. 
 
She wakes her daughter up for school, makes breakfast and lunch, and most days, she stops at the gym and works out too. Her days are dedicated to being the best mom for Sofia and giving her the same support she received from her mother and grandmother.
 
“My grandmother was my best friend,” Brittany said. “She was outspoken, straightforward and funny.” 
 
In 2012, Brittany’s grandma was diagnosed with cancer. Brittany left everything behind and moved in with her grandmother to take care of her. It felt like the old days when Brittany and her mom lived with her grandmother. 
 
But within the next year, Brittany lost her grandmother. Four months later, Brittany was expecting a baby. Joy and grief entangled her every breath.
 
“She always encouraged me to finish school,” Brittany said about her grandmother. 
 
After weighing her options, Brittany applied to Buckner Family Pathways® in Lufkin, Texas, a program designed to support single parents while transforming the future for both them and their family. 
 
Nearly 80% of single-parent families in the U.S. are headed by single mothers. Of those, nearly a third live in poverty and struggle with access to child care, affordable housing and community support. In 2022, nearly 40 families experienced transformational support through the Family Pathways program in Lufkin.
 
Right after moving into the Family Pathways housing, Brittany’s mother passed away. 
 
“If it wasn’t for the support I received at Buckner, I don’t know where I would be,” Brittany mentioned. “I don’t know what I would have done on my own.” 
 
Just as her daughter inspires her to be the best mom, the memories of her grandmother and her mother drive her to accomplish her goals. 
 
“They still make me push harder for my goals,” she said. “I know they wanted me to accomplish my goals, so I still want to achieve those.” 
 
Brittany completed an associate degree in respiratory care from Angelina College.
 
Part of waking up these days involves taking everything one step at a time. After a long wait, she has received her temporary medical respiratory care license. She already has a job lined up to start in just a few weeks.
 
Then she’ll prepare for the board exam. And once she passes that, she can receive her permanent medical respiratory license which will expand her career opportunities. Her goal is to work with newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
 
“The waiting is the most difficult. There is pressure in having to wait,” Brittany said. “While I know things are going to get better, and I have the help I need, my peace comes from knowing better days are coming.” 
 
For now, Brittany will continue to focus on being the best mother for Sofia and is looking forward to the future she and Sofia are creating together.

Are you a single parent ready to chase your dreams for the future? Find out more about Buckner Family Pathways® or fill out an inquiry form to start the application process today.