Welcome To The Self Family Foundation

EDUCATION - GRAD

"Greenwood Reaches Adolescent Dreams (GRAD) has served first-time teenage mothers since 1992 by providing on-site child care, parenting education and ongoing life skills education. Teen mothers who participate in the program must be enrolled in school full time or in a day-time GED program. Our program is meant to enable them to finish their high school education without the anxiety of lack of quality child care. They must meet contractual obligations with us to participate. To date, we have served 160 teen mothers and seen some wonderful results as well as success stories."

Lois Mufuka Martin and
Christine Hill of GRAD

"One of our recent high school graduates was served by the Greenwood Community Children's Center's (GCCC) Healthy Beginning program (also assisted in its funding by The Self Family Foundation). She has graduated from high school and is now enrolled in Piedmont Technical College while working full time at a local retail store. Her child continues to be served by GCCC and she credits GRAD for helping her to graduate and become a better parent. She has asked to serve GRAD as a mentor in the near future."

"Success stories such as this are made possible by the support of The Self Family Foundation and others who have helped us to purchase the bus that is so integral to providing transportation for these moms and their children so that they can reach their dreams."

Lois Mufuka Martin, GRAD Director

"The GRAD program has made it possible for my baby to learn things that I couldn't teach, with a quality daycare and staff that I can afford. It has made a big difference because I can get to school "on time" and always have reliable transportation. Before GRAD, it was very difficult because when I didn't have a way to get to school, I had to stay home. You can't succeed if you can't attend."

Iyana's Mom

"I can't think of any way to improve the system that's now in place. I can get back and forth to school - the transportation is a big help with that. I joined GRAD to become a better mother and to gain better learning skills. The program has made this and more possible for me."

Janay's Mom