COMMUNITY PROFILE: Single parents have a resource in Tyra Chapa

tyra chapaSHELDON – She has come a long way since they days when she and her kids were homeless. This single mother of four now has a substantial job and career, a good home for her kids, and heads an organization that offers help to others that have had similar difficult paths in their lives.

Mothers Raising Children Alone is an organization Tyra Chapa founded, and now has about fifty members. They meet at First Baptist Church of Sheldon now, and previously at the Harris County Pct. 2 Grayson Center in Channelview. They meet every 1st and 3rd Saturday, from noon to 2 p.m. and invite anyone interested to attend.

In spite of the name, members include dads, moms, and grandparents. They are encouraged to bring their kids.

The organization is a support group, and helps in many ways. Working with the Lighthouse of Houston and Pasadena, they have provided over 500 turkey dinners to families at Thanksgiving.

They also provide education with GED tutoring, and help single parents with food, clothing, an emergency pantry, and job searches and resumes.

They get help with this from the church, and its pastor, Pastor Tim Flack.

Chapa’s personal story is inspiring. At age 28, she decided homeless was not the way she wanted to live, and started her education at Alvin Community College. She received a Mental Health Certificate there. She then received a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Biblical Studies, and a Masters and soon a Doctoral degree from Concordia University. She now works as a teacher in the Pasadena ISD.

Although still a single mom, she has successfully raised four kids, ages 8, 9,15, and 16.

She encourages others who need help or want to participate to contact her, at 832-292-5864 or on her Facebook page: facebook.com/mothersraisingchildrenalone.