At Woman’s Co-op, we believe every woman and family has a story worth telling. The following reflections come directly from members we serve — in their own words. They speak about what support means, what parenting and success look like, and how community can make all the difference. We’ve gently edited for readability, but kept their voices as true as possible.
“Our View” Episode 43 Reflection
“I feel that Co-op helped in so many ways. You don’t realize until it’s in full effect. Having support will strengthen you in so many ways. I feel they looked at his whole situation and sectioned it in different ways to put him on the right track. It was just having the mindset to want better and the patience to get to where you need to be.”
Poverty in Battle Creek
*“I love that the Co-op offers help to people that the Department of Health and Human Services would consider make too much money, but they are barely making ends meet. Like help with IDs and birth certificates, help with finding a job and job training. They even offer counseling and GED classes. They understand that you can have it all today and have nothing tomorrow — from losing your job to not having proper childcare. They are there to help you as much as you are willing to help yourself.
I feel better about myself and can look forward to a great career in a field that could set me up for life. I’m so grateful to have found this home because they treat you like family.”*
— Denise Tate
The Greatest Lesson I Learned from Becoming a Mother
*“The greatest thing I learned from becoming a mother is that you will always have real, true love with your kids. You go through everything with your kids, and they make you stronger! They will love you through whatever and they’re always by your side to wipe your tears when you cry, give you hugs, and let you know it will be okay.
Having kids makes you grow up and be more responsible because they need you just like you need them. My kids are the best thing that could ever happen to me. They’ve seen me at my worst and at my best, and they always let me know how good of a mom I am. I don’t have to worry about them talking about me because at the end of the day, we’re all we got. Kids are a mini version of yourself and all I know is they will stick with you forever. My kids are the biggest blessing for me, and I wouldn’t know what to do without them.”*
— Unknown
What is Parenting?
“Parenting is a form of nurturing, loving, caring for. Being able to be selfless and make decisions that don’t just benefit yourself. Being a parent is about learning as you go. Because no parent knows it all — not even the parents that have been parenting for years. Parenting is about being able to do what’s best for the children when you want to be selfish.”
— Shantena Majlett
What Does Success Look Like?
*“Success is achieving your goals in life and relationships, and finishing things you started. It’s setting goals for yourself and going through with it, not giving up on yourself. Seeing yourself happy and comfortable with everything you were determined to do in life — or at least making the effort.
My success is knowing that I am setting goals for myself to become a better me, and getting the things I have in mind DONE! Taking it one day at a time and not rushing myself. Success is seeing your kids smile because of the good they see in me, and how hard I’m trying to reach my success. Success is there, you just gotta put the work in to do it!”*
— Teena C.
“Our View” Episode 43: Another Reflection
*“What I got out of this video is that you guys really are here to help anyone who needs and wants your help, no matter how many times you leave or come back! Y’all don’t judge anybody who comes in to express their problems, and I like that.
If you need any kind of help, Woman’s Co-op is a good place to come. You guys have a lot of resources. You will not get turned around or get a bad outcome. Woman’s Co-op is a good opportunity if you really need help. You can take classes to get you where you need to be. Taking it one day at a time will get you where you need to be. All you have to do is reach out. Y’all are awesome.”*
— Teena C.
On Overcoming Poverty
“I think getting out of poverty is up to you. Asking for help and motivating yourself is one of the things you should do for yourself. To make it in this life, you have to have discipline and self-motivation. Blaming others for your life is not an option. Surround yourself with people who motivate you. Woman’s Co-op is a place that will help you become a better person. But you have to put the work in — they can’t do it for you.”
— Antoinette Andrews
Our Reflection
Every essay, every reflection, is a reminder of why Woman’s Co-op exists: to be a home, a family, and a place where women can find support, strength, and opportunity. From learning to parent, to striving toward success, to rebuilding after hardship — these voices show resilience, hope, and determination.
At Woman’s Co-op, we don’t do the work for people — but we stand with them, walk beside them, and offer tools, resources, and encouragement along the way.