Single mother goes from no high school diploma to Master’s Degree
When single mother Latanya Christopher came to SHORE UP’s Early Head Start Program, she was struggling to carve out a life for herself and her three children. Her youngest had been born with a disability, her two older children were a teenager and pre-teen, she was attending classes at her local community college, and she could not afford daycare for her special needs infant.
Because Early Head Start gave her the time and resources she needed to care for her young son, as well as valuable insights and encouragement from program staff, Latanya was able to continue pursuing an education. And pursue it she did! Latanya received her high school diploma, Associate’s Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work… but she did not stop there. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Administration of Human Services.
Best of all, Latanya is still involved with the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, even though her baby is now 13 years old! She has been hired as a Family Engagement Specialist at SHORE UP, and she looks forward to inspiring other mothers to follow in her footsteps and plan a future of economic security and long-term independence.
For more information about SHORE UP’s Head Start and Early Head Start Programs and the other services provided by SHORE UP, please call 410-749-1142 or visit
us on the web at shoreup.org.
