It’s been seven years since I graduated from Mom’s House. I was 19, a single mother with two children working on my Bachelor’s degree. I worked part-time, making minimum wage. I lived in a chronic state of exhaustion, fear, and anxiety. I wanted nothing more than to give my children a life that was better than mine. I wanted my children to feel loved, to have a family, and to need for nothing. I was fortunate enough to find Mom’s House and their program for single parents completing their education.
Much like myself, the parents of Mom’s House find themselves in a situation of great adversity; they are typically young, single, and low income. The organization offers its children an extended family who happily and eagerly fills them with love, education, and kindness. Mom’s House commitment to the families in our area inspired us to design a pendant representing what the organization means to so many parents and children in the Southern Tier past, present, and future.
The lotus flower grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty. Even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus is untouched by the impurity. Considered a living fossil, the Lotus Flower has unparalleled resilience and ability to survive. The flower is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and strength.
Like the Lotus Flower, Mom’s House is a place of rebirth, triumph over obstacles, and unprecedented support and love. The program’s graduates blossom into fulfilling and rewarding careers - they are resilient to change and adversity. They thrive, regardless of where their roots began.
Today, I’m working my dream job, surrounded by beautiful pieces of jewelry every day. I manage the store, all of the social media accounts, purchasing, and event management. I’m working on my Master’s degree in Strategic Marketing and maintain a 3.5 GPA, even with my large family 8. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without the fresh start, hope, and confidence that Mom’s House gave me. For that, I am forever grateful.
This piece has been donated to Mom’s House to be used in the 2020 Night of Hope fundraising event. Our lotus pendant is cast in 14k white gold, set on a 14k white gold box chain. It retails at over $800. You can bid on this piece through the 2020 Night of Hope silent auction. You can support Mom’s House in other ways by donating, volunteering, or purchasing items from their needs list.
Beth Greene
Store Manager, Conti Jewelers
2013 Mom’s House Graduate