Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTanya Cooper.
LaTanya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ada’s Place is named after my great-grandmother, Ada Harris. She was a single mother of two and I was able to watch her “make it happen” her entire life. Regardless of her situation, I never saw her turn anyone away who had a need.
When I became a single mother, by way of a divorce, I was unemployed and had to start all over. I was fortunate to have the assistance of my parents and sister-in-law. I also was blessed to have financial support from my ex with no struggles! With all of that, it was still a challenge at times and I couldn’t imagine not having a support system.
When I moved to Texas in 2005, I began to come across a lot of younger, single moms and like my great grandmother, I would always try to help if I could. Sometimes it would be guidance, sometimes food, sometimes a utility bill paid. It just came naturally. In 2014, a friend of mine said you should think about forming a 501(c)(3). You’re doing it anyway and this would open the door for you to include others. So, Ada’s Place was officially formed.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it hasn’t been smooth, but some of it has been self-imposed! LOL!! I know the vision that I have and in being anxious, I have sometimes put the cart before the horse. My biggest struggle has been patience and not wanting to ask for assistance. I am yet working on both of these issues! But I realize that as my Pastor says, one is too small of a number to achieve greatness and I am getting better.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Ada’s Place is an initiative that seeks to provide resources, training and support to single mothers who are going through challenging transitional seasons. Our vision is “empowering single mothers to move from a STATE of despair to a WORLD of hope through programs designed specifically for them”.
We current programs are:
The Village Women – each quarter we select a single, deserving mother-to-be in the DFW area to honor at a surprise baby shower.
Single Moms Network – our online community of single moms. We host monthly gatherings to offer fellowship, encouragement and networking opportunities.
Mom2Mom Mentors – connecting single moms with a single mom mentor who is working in their field of interest
We are also in the process of partnering with a Tarrant County apartment complex whose population is predominantly single moms so that we can bring our monthly gatherings to them.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I would define success as being able to fulfill your purpose in life while being able to do what you want when you want, how you want and where you want!!! Kind of like Tyler Perry just did!!
I place my markers in baby steps. I break down larger tasks into a daily task and celebrate my daily successes. If I don’t, I get overwhelmed and it then appears that “success” is unattainable.
Contact Info:
- Website: adaplace.org
- Phone: 682-323-8232
- Email: lcooper@adasplace.org
- Instagram: adasplacetexas
- Facebook: Ada’s Place – Texas
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