In the Fall of 2006, Oakwood Administration made a decision to help fulfill a need of the growing number of single-parent students, generally between the ages of 18-25. Dean Dedrick Blue (then Vice President of student services) and Jacqui Gates-Shipe (then Vice President of Advancement and Development) presented to the President's Council an idea for the program that would help single parent stud
ents finish their education. Dr. David Sedlacek, from Oakwood 's social work department, agreed to become the program's first director. His experience and skills made him the perfect man for the job. With the help of strong supporters, more research and planning, the program became a reality. Founding members, Dr. Jessie Bradley, Dr. Dionne Felix and Lorraine Frye, helped comprise the Advisory Committee that has and continues to guide this program. The New Beginnings Single Parent Resource Center has been serving the Northern Alabama community ever since. With the funds and housing donated by Oakwood University and outside sponsors, New Beginnings has been able to assist more than 33 students to graduate. The program services include: assistance for tuition, textbooks, and child care, a bi-weekly support group, counselling/case management services, life-skills workshops, mentoring, computer lab, and household necessities. Both current and former participants testify to how much all of these services have helped them complete their education. Dr. Sedlacek served as directer until 2009, followed by Mrs. Helen Fischle, also of the social work department, who directed the Center until 2010. Geraldine Thompson was appointed as the program's coordinator. Thompson continues to lead this vital ministry. Currently the program is serving an average of 12 students per semester, from Oakwood University and other area colleges and universities (including UAHuntsville, Alabama A&M University, Calhoun Community College and Drake State Technical College). New Beginnings is also available to any accredited college or university in North Alabama. The Center's staff has a number of immediate plans. They are in the process of improving the Center's office, and to expand their child care services. They have a strong desire to provide better care for more children, thus being a blessing to even more students. The New Beginnigs staff; under Mrs. Thompson's coordination, along with Assistant Program Coordinator/Counselor, Shirlene Briggs, is also making big plans for the Long-haul. They are pushing toward generating more funds: first, to help the program participants rely less on loans to graduate; and second, to allow them to relocate or expand their present location. There is no telling what this extraordinary ministry will do next.
