.jpg)
Education is key to a stable future for the single parents who turn to Home Suite Hope as a partner in their journey from homelessness and poverty to stability.
However with the challenges these single parents tackle, along with parenting and managing their family and home while mastering new life skills, heading to class can feel daunting.
As the new school year approaches, everyone, but most certainly HSH's single parent participants can gain inspiration from an HSH and a Sheridan College grad. Shannon celebrated her graduation in June and gave an inspirational valedictory speech at the celebration. Her words, repeated here, may prove valuable in the minds and hearts of our single parent participants as they head to class.
Shannon Taylor is a proud Homeward Bound Halton participant, graduate of Sheridan College’s Office Administration Executive Program and Home Suite Hope’s 2024 Valedictorian.
“I am filled with an an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. We, the Graduating Class of 2024, represent a remarkable journey of perseverance, strength, and unwavering determination. To the single mothers whose paths have been paved with countless challenges and sacrifices, I want to extend my deepest admiration and respect for each of you. We are all a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to overcome adversity with grace and courage and, of course, the endless help and support we received from all of the staff at Home Suite Hope.
Our journey throughout the two years we spent in college has been marked by late-night study
sessions, juggling parental responsibilities with academic pursuits, and navigating the complexities
of life as students and mothers simultaneously. Yet, through it all, we persisted, refusing to let our
circumstances define us or limit our potential.
Today, we celebrate our academic achievements and the strength of character that has propelled us forward. We stand as shining examples of what is possible when determination meets opportunity, many of which we wouldn’t have had if we didn’t have HSH.
As we embark on the next chapter of our lives, let us carry with us the lessons learned, the friends
we’ve made and all the memories. Let us remember the late nights spent managing our time
between our kids and our studies, the moments of doubt overcome by sheer willpower, and the
unwavering support we have received from this incredible organization.
I would like to personally thank everyone here at HSH. It has been a long winding road for me, with many ups and downs but never for a minute did I feel alone or like I didn’t have the support I needed from you. For many years, I couldn’t even imagine being here today, and I couldn’t have done any of it without HSH. You were the light I needed at the end of a very dark tunnel. Thank you.
To everyone here, thank you for believing in us, pushing us to be our best selves, and celebrating our successes, big and small.
To my fellow graduates, we are one step closer to meeting our goals, and I wish you all the best of
luck with your employment search. Congratulations to the 2024 HSH College graduates!”
To all the HSH participants heading to class this fall - whether for academic upgrading, the start of post-secondary studies or heading back with their sights on graduation - HSH is behind you, you've got this, good luck!