My Journey with Woman’s Co-op began in 2006 when I became a single mother. Co-op helped me become who I am in the world today. Through the programs I participated in, the classes I attended, and—most importantly—the nonjudgmental support I received from staff and fellow members, I was uplifted, encouraged, and reminded to keep going and giving along the way even when the path forward felt uncertain.
At that time, I was unable to complete high school due to becoming a young parent and moving between states. The Co-op’s GED program gave me the opportunity to close that chapter and move forward with confidence. Beyond education, the Co-op store filled critical gaps that food assistance programs could not. Access to hygiene products, toilet paper, diapers and wipes, feminine products, and vitamins relieved constant stress and allowed me to better care for myself and my daughter. By volunteering my time, I earned Co-op dollars and was able to shop monthly following mandatory meetings—an experience that fostered both dignity and community. The donation closet was another invaluable resource; I clothed my daughter there regularly, and she always looked absolutely adorable.
As I became more involved, the Co-op continued to support my growth in practical and meaningful ways. I attended parenting classes and Bridges Out of Poverty, as well as frontline and janitorial training provided through the Co-op. I also participated in the Creating Change program, partnered with Trinity Lutheran and the Co-op. These opportunities led directly to employment and, combined with the skills and confidence I gained, allowed me to climb out of poverty. Each step forward was built on the foundation the Co-op provided.
I enjoyed events like the annual camping trip where the most prepared girl scout Jamie Bain had everything you didn’t think to pack! Being able to take camping trips as a single mother was such a blessing! I wouldn’t have been able to do those things on my own at that time. We enjoyed the family game nights hosted by Ginger in the social hall that were filled with belly laughs and yummy snacks. The Thanksgiving dinners hosted by Trinity Lutheran and Christmas celebrations with Santa where all the children were given a gift. The family picnics served potluck style. The whole park would be filled with kids you knew from Co-op and yummy food covered the picnic table. I made so many great memories with my daughter at these events.. I was surrounded by other mothers who had life experience and shared their wisdom with me.
There were also unique experiences that helped me heal and dream again. Second Chance Prom stands out as especially meaningful. I never attended prom in high school, so being able to dress up and dance was incredibly special. The memories from that night are unforgettable—especially digging through donated dresses and holding impromptu fashion shows with other members. Another transformative experience was the women’s retreat. Creating a vision board encouraged me to think differently about my future. Umo became my life coach. Through her guidance, I began healing from trauma in past relationships. She remains someone I communicate with regularly, and that relationship and healing experience is one I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
The Woman’s Co-op was also where my relationship with Christ began to grow. I was regularly invited to attend church services and formed a meaningful connection with Pastor Coleen. I became a church member and had my daughter baptized there. I was actively involved in youth ministry and the Young Worshipers program, and the church truly became a second home for me.
Mandatory Monday meetings were where much of the Co-op’s magic came together. That was where real networking happened. Teresa always had a cheesy icebreaker ready, and while those interactions felt forced at first, over time they turned into deep, lasting bonds. We shared whatever we had—food, rides, babysitting, or simply a listening ear—to get through life together. Teresa had a way of calling you up and calling you out. I remember one meeting where a member needed help cutting her grass. Teresa asked everyone who lived in Post Addition and had access to a mower to raise their hands—putting us right on the spot. Because of that moment, Annesha’s grass was cut for the rest of the summer, and she was able to apply for a used mower through the home committee fund. That is where the true magic of the Co-op lived: in member-to-member connection. Teresa was exceptional at creating that.
The experience I had at Woman’s Co-op can be compared to “Hobo Stew.” If you are unfamiliar with Hobo Stew let me say it is an incredible dish we passed at the Annual Camping trip. It never tastes the same and yet it is always delicious. Each member that attended the camping trip would bring one ingredient to add to the soup pot. It might be a bag of peas, or a head of cabbage. Some would bring sausage or potatoes. It tasted great, but it was the togetherness that made it that way. When we all come together with a little something then there is enough for everyone! Women from all walks of life came together to support one another and share their wisdom and resources.
For these reasons, and so many more, I felt inspired to give back to The Woman’s Co-op. My donation is a reflection of deep gratitude for an organization that changed the course of my life and helped me become who I am today.