ROSALIE MANOR SPOTLIGHT

Each year there are several individuals in our programs who define the word “success,” and this year is no exception. This spring, as we celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we’d like to introduce you to two of these amazing parents.

Damon Rimmer

When Damon joined the Today’s Dads program at the age of 17, he may not have envisioned reaching out to people with his positive experiences in the program. But in 4 short years he has become an inspiration not only to young fathers, but to the First Lady Laura Bush.

During her March 8 th visit to Rosalie Manor, Damon not only met with the First Lady but introduced her at the press conference. “Privileged,” was the word Damon used to describe how he felt when he was asked to speak at the event. Public speaking comes naturally to him. He believes in educating his peers about positive parenting, and talking about his experience to the public is something he gladly does without hesitation. “Young people are often stereotyped as ‘lazy’ and lacking potentials, but that’s not true… and the public needs to see that. I would love to be a motivational speaker.”

Currently, Damon is balancing jobs, planning for higher education, educating young fathers about nurturing relationships with their children, and of course, being a responsible father to his own four-year-old son, Kareem. A smile broke out instantly when asked about Kareem. Damon proudly shared, “Kareem now knows how to dial the phone by himself and often calls me on the phone…It’s funny because you don’t expect to hear a small kid when you pick up the phone.” Recently, the Today’s Dads program was highlighted on Fox 6, and Damon was one of the participants Joann Williams spoke to. Both Damon and Kareem were on the news, and when Kareem recognized himself on TV, Damon explained, “This is all because of you.” Damon stated, “While being a teen father was a tough challenge, my son was one of the best things that happened to me.”

Damon realized that in order to succeed, he needed to change his attitude. “What had me change my way of thinking was that when you get in the mindset of thinking of yourself as a number, you get introduced to people that get paid to give you numbers. I didn’t want to be associated with jail numbers, parole officers… I didn’t want to wake up every morning having to memorize numbers. I didn’t want to be a part of statistics. I didn’t want to be a number.”

Damon is anything but a number. In the past year, he served in the national Americorps service programs and worked in construction and home remodeling while pursuing his GED. Damon has also worked for us in our Baby FAST program, where his role was to educate fathers about strengthening the bond between parents and their children.

Damon’s future is bright. He plans to enroll in MATC’s culinary program in January 2006. To help finance his education, he will utilize his Americorps education awards, as well as begin a five-month certification program from the Lakeside School of Massage Therapy, which will allow him to become a massage therapist and earn additional income.

Jessica Lipscomb

Simply put, Jessica is an amazing young woman. Jessica became a mother at the very young age of 14. Without much support from her own mother, she could have become another negative statistic….a high school drop-out, an abusive or neglectful parent, a drain on our community. However, Jessica has grown into a stronger and more determined young woman with her whole life ahead of her.

Now 17 years old, Jessica is graduating high school with a 4.0 GPA, and is planning to go to UWM to pursue a law degree. As a very well spoken young woman, Jessica spoke to a small audience at a recent event. She stated, “I know it’s not going to be easy to afford school, but I’m not afraid of it. I’m applying for grants and scholarships. I plan to work, and if I have to take out loans, then I will.”

Jessica’s son, Leontay is her 3-year-old bundle of joy. “We do everything together, and I spend time with him whenever I can. He comes first. He’s really outgoing and friendly….he really likes taking the city bus.” Bindu, Jessica’s Family Care Coordinator stated, “Leontay is thriving. Jessica really likes learning about his growth and development and does whatever she can to improve it. She is one mom who takes what we talk about and puts it to work.” Bindu further explained that Jessica comes from a family of four, with one older sibling and two younger. “Because of her responsible nature, she also cares for her younger brother and sister, both are under 15 years. And she constantly tells her younger sister not to become a teen parent,” Bindu said.

Like her son, Jessica is an outgoing person and has assisted in facilitating our parenting groups for teens, and is constantly asked by her classmates for advise. “I tell them that I’ve been where they are.” She knows nothing is impossible and that everyone can be successful if they try. Jessica also has great respect for the services she’s received. “Rosalie Manor and Bindu have helped me a lot…whenever I’ve needed a diaper, or some food, or anything, I can call Bindu and she’ll help me out. She’ll tell me where I can go to get what I need when she can’t help me. In fact, Bindu was there when other people weren’t. I was working with another agency who told me they couldn’t help me but then my name was given to Bindu and she stepped in and helped me in ways I never thought of.”

As a mom, a student, and a part-time employee at McDonalds, Jessica’s plate is full. But through it all, she is a happy teen, with her whole life ahead of her, and we’re certain she’ll reach those goals she set for herself.

Articulate, independent, and determined, both Damon and Jessica are individuals with clear-sighted goals and plans. Rosalie Manor is extremely proud of both of their accomplishments, and would like to thank them for being an inspiration to us all.