'Parenting is not easy;' Mother of six helps others become better parents
Every week, we try to inspire you, showing you stories of hope and success, stories of people working hard and finding jobs in these difficult times.
News 4 San Antonio’s Kristina De Leon introduces us to a mother of six who lives in the courts, is beating the odds, and helping others on their own parenting skills.
Anna Castaneda was not expected to make it this far. Anna says, “I've had for good reasons had to become a single parent. I wear the same shoes that a lot of our clients who come into the program wear. I have the opportunity to put things in place for myself as I am assisting them."
As a mother of six, one of the fathers died, and another went to jail. This 32 year old knew she had to do more to help her children. She says, “Parenting is not easy. Coming out of the hospital, delivering. The idea of working towards building a family. But what comes with it. The responsibilities, the obligation, and the much needed support and the stability that should be in place before."
This student at San Antonio College went from an administrative assistant to the entire program's assistant for the Fatherhood Campaign. There, she helps teach parents how to make the best choices for their children.
She says she's strengthening her own parenting skills too. Anna says "Being from the West side of San Antonio, when I first came in from the Casianos. Today I am at the Alazans and who I came in to the public ally program here at WETC, through Alamo Colleges, is not the same person that I am today."
Now this 32-year old has dreams of going to grad school, owning her own home one day and making sure she does what she can to be the best parent to her four boys and two girls.
She says, "Get the help that's out there for individuals like ourselves. I am still the underserved community member working towards these goals. It's not on my own, and throughout the entire process, be kind to yourself by making sure that If we happen to have children, that the priority of our children come first, but it starts with taking care of ourselves first."
If you are interested in the work program that Anna is enrolled in, you can click here
