Alley's House

I knew I wanted to do a Christmas charity project. And I knew I wanted to do something with my camera. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, and honestly, because of the holiday rush, was about to let the idea pass me by. One afternoon I knew that Oprah was going to be anchoring the channel 8 news, and of course I had to watch. (I am a huge Oprah fan.) So, instead of watching my usual channel 5, switched to see Oprah. She reported on an amazing woman doing some amazing things. I knew that I wanted to do something with her organization, and immediately knew what I could do to help.

I e-mailed Allison Whitehead from Alley’s House to see if there was any possibility of me doing some charity work. She was so grateful! We immediately got things rolling. I drove down to Dallas to meet with her, discuss our ideas, and figure out a plan. It was then that she told me her completely inspiring story. She started Alley’s House because of a school project. (Talk about extra credit!) And through many struggles, and an unlimited amount of heart, worked her way from an idea, dream, and class assignment, to a full-time executive director of her own non-profit organization. Alley’s House was designed to help teen mothers. They offer tutoring for GED’s, babysitting, clothes, diapers and forumla, parenting classes, mentors, and an unbelievable amount of camaraderie and love. Oprah put it best when she was reporting on this story, “When you help a mother, you help a family.” And Allison, along with the rest of Alley’s House staff and volunteers, are not only changing the life of a teenage mother, but they are changing the lives forever of their darling little ones, which will in turn change the whole community and beyond.

I spent two days with these girls, and had the opportunity to talk to each one of them about how Alley’s House has helped them. Most of them reported on how Alley’s House has helped to raise their self-esteem, to become more mature, and more independent. One said that Alley’s House has helped her to be a “more positive person” and taught her to “never give up.” So many of them are working on their GED’s because of the support offered at this organization. Another said that being here has helped her to be a role model for her kids. Largely due to Alley’s House, these girls have a bright future. One girl I talked to wanted to own her own hair salon someday, and another wanted to get finish her GED so she could go to college.

After hearing Allison’s story, I couldn’t help but be moved. By the end of our conversation we both had tears in our eyes. What an amazing work that this woman is doing. It really puts into perspective for me how easy it is to just do something. To go forward with an idea and to push until you get it. Allison never stopped, and so many people are reaping the benefits of her determination. I couldn’t help but comment to her that she wasn’t normal. A normal person wouldn’t have the drive to accomplish something like this. A normal person wouldn’t dedicate their lives to a cause, no matter what the risk or price. And a normal person doesn’t have the glow that Alison has. How lucky she is to wake up every day knowing that what she is doing is making a difference. I feel so lucky to have found her and to have met her. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to interact with all these amazing girls. All of them are really working to make the best lives for their children that they can. And it was great to get a glimpse into their lives. You could really see the love that they have for their kids. Seeing them inspired me to be a better mother to my children as well as a better member of my community. Open your eyes. See a need and fill it. You can make a difference. You can do something. Now go out and do it!



Some interesting statistics:

96% of teen mothers keep their babies.

In Texas, a baby is born to a teen mother every 10 minutes.

85% of teens with mentors will go on to secondary education in college or some type of technical school. (Compared with 20-30% without mentors.)

Babies born to mothers aged 15-17 have less supportive and stimulating home environments, poorer health, lower congnitive development, worse educational outcomes, higher rates of behavior problems and higher rates of teen childbearing themselves.

Only 33% of adolescent mothers will graduate high school and only 1.5% will earn a college degree by age 30.

Children of teen moms have lower birth weights, are more likely to perform poorly in school and are at greater risk of abuse and neglect.



To find out more information about Alley's House, and how you can help, visit: alleyshouse.org. They are always in need of volunteers, mentors, children's clothing, diapers, formula, toys, and of course, money. Every little bit helps, and every little bit goes to a child or young mother in need.