My name is Sequaya Coleman and I was a member of the Magnolia Mother’s Trust 2020 cohort. Since last receiving funds in February 2021, my income has changed for two reasons: a job switch and having a baby.
My favorite skill I learned in the program is meditation. I just never did things for myself before. Most parents know that you don’t even get bathroom time. My child will just bust right in—”mommy mommy mommy!” In meditation we learned to take that five, or even two, minutes of peace for ourselves. It’s something I still do to this day. Whether I have a babysitter, or it’s after the kids go to sleep, or even just in the bathroom.
At the time I was accepted, I was in a dark place. I was working seven days a week and paying a sitter to care for my daughter when school wasn’t in. It was a lot. This program boosted my confidence in knowing that as a mother I can provide for my children, rather than having to borrow or feel burdened down, or laying awake at night worrying about a bill due the next day.
With MMT it was like, “Yes, I don’t have to worry that I can’t wash my kids clothes because I don’t have extra $2 to do it.” If I need insurance for my child, I can pay for healthcare, I don’t have to worry about dealing with Mississippi Medicaid. I can move freely without the government breathing down my neck. You just feel better when you can do it on your own.