Family Café and Parents as Teachers Help Mom to Be Her Best: Brittany’s Story
As a single parent, Brittany Fogle had to juggle multiple roles and faced challenges like isolation and other conflicts. To manage her responsibilities as a parent, daughter, and social worker, she sought help to confirm her feelings and equip her son Bryson with socialization skills. Bryson lacked company as he is the only child and spent most of his time with Brittany and his grandmother. Fortunately, Brittany met Kierra, a parent educator, at a back-to-school event in Orangeburg, who introduced her to Orangeburg County First Steps.
Brittany signed up for Orangeburg County First Steps’ Parents as Teachers program, which provides free home visits and assigns a parent educator to work closely with families to support their children’s learning and development. Additionally, she joined the Family Café, a structured discussion group that uses adult learning principles and family support. These two programs equipped Brittany with the necessary tools to strengthen her bond with her son and aid in Bryson’s overall growth.
“At Parent Café we can make instant connections and get the support of other parents. We don’t feel so alone or isolated. Our feelings are confirmed”, says Brittany.
Bryson, who used to be shy and distant, has now transformed into a self-assured and inquisitive young boy. He is now enthusiastic about discovering the world around him. His mother happily remarks, “He has really come out of his shell!” Bryson, who once had difficulty connecting with others, has made impressive strides in expressing himself and building relationships. Ms. Fogle acknowledges that Orangeburg County First Steps has been instrumental in their progress.
Brittany has been positively affected by personal changes, which have improved her ability to serve her clients in her social work career. She is fully committed to supplying the best life for her family, and while she has no immediate plans to expand her family, she will not hesitate to seek help from Orangeburg County First Steps if the need ever arises.
