Journal 2018 continues

.. I allowed circumstances to get the best of me. Things were finally falling in place. I was then to the point where my kids were older and childcare was no longer an issue.

I had no transportation at the time but God blessed me with a job right acrossed the street from where I live. Not to mention I was still able to mentor, I was known as the cool janitor so many teachers and students confide in me.

Dear Journal 2018

Dear Journal,

 Yes,it's been a while and I have so much to share with you. God has really been using me in so many ways, to be quite honest it seems I was on a real life rollercoaster. I have been from place to place meeting and inspiring new people. In many cases I didn't even realize the assignments I was on until they were nearly complete. There was a point in my life where I felt promoting was necessary for Teen Mothership yet I needed to focus more on physically putting myself in places so that I could  be the mentor that our youth desperately needed. On my quest to find what was next, I found myself applying for a custodial position through a temp service for our local public school district. It was weird at first because I couldn't imagine being a janitor mainly because all the janitors I knew growing up was what we consider as kids "old" and their closets looked "creepy". After giving it further thought I began to remember how janitors were some of the coolest staff members and kept many of us out of trouble. I started to feel even better about becoming a janitor/custodian. I realized that God was about to put me to the test. I was so excited about my knew position until....... (to be continued )

A closer look @ my vision

          Feedback is welcome

Lets Talk

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been dating for years or if you just met, it’s always a good idea to talk about sex before it happens. Before you talk make sure you know what you’re comfortable with. If you decide it’s the right time for you to have sex, be sure to find the birth control method that’s right for you.

Know your boundaries 

Are you ready for sex? Are you only comfortable kissing? Are you waiting until you can talk to your parents and your doctor? We all have our own boundaries when it comes to sex and it’s important to talk to your partner about yours. Make time in a quiet, comfortable place before things get too hot and heavy. Be open and honest with your partner and ask about his or her boundaries for sex.

Talking about STIs

Think you’d know if someone in your school had an STI? Think again. You can’t tell by looking at someone if they have one. In fact, some people don’t experience symptoms with certain STIs. That means they can pass it on to you without even knowing it. That’s why it’s important to talk with your partner. If you aren’t sure if you or your partner has an STI, you can always visit a nearby health center for confidential testing. Remember, finding ways to protect you and your partner from STIs and unintended pregnancies doesn't’t mean you don’t trust each other. It means you respect each other.
 
The good news? Many STIs are curable and if you do have one, your results are confidential. That means if your doctor lives in your neighborhood, goes to your church, or even is best friends with your parents, he or she still can’t tell anyone. Remember though, you can get the same STI more than once, even if you've cured it in the past. That's why you should use a condom everytime you have sex. 
 
Ready to get tested? Visit a nearby, teen-friendly health center.

Stick to the plan 

You’ve talked with your parents. You’ve talked with your doctor. You’ve talked with your partner. But you didn’t do all that talking for nothing. Remember to stick to your plan for sex and birth control. If your partner asks you to do something you’re not comfortable with or forgets birth control, remind him or her you made a plan for a reason. Remember, safe sex is a way to show your partner you care about and respect him or her.

Don't have one yet? Learn how to make a plan. 

Keep talking

Sex is a lot more than just sex. It affects your relationship, your body, and your emotions. That’s why there are a lot of things you and your partner need to talk about.

• Your values about sex.
• How will it affect your relationship with your partner?
• What would happen in the case of an unintended pregnancy or STI?
• What do you expect from your relationship after you have sex?

For more info:

visit https://www.teenpregnancysc.org/

Growing up in St.Stephen

Growing up in a small community has definitely been a challenge. I was born in raised in St. Stephens, South Carolina; roughly an hour away from what is known as the "holy city" Charleston. St. Stephens is not your typical suburbs, in fact in the early 90s we had two grocery stores and one stop light and still do to this very day minus a grocery store. Although its a small town the unity and love in the community helped our youth stay on track. Everyone basically new each other rather it was by mutual encounters. As time progress I began to become more aware of  my surroundings. At the age of 11 I began Jr. High at St.Stephen Middle School, then is when I had the opportunity to meet more people who shared similar values as I. I started to notice what was keeping us connected to one another, but we were divers in many ways. Most of my friends and pairs grew up in a two parent home. I often found myself feeling left out or cheated. I really didn't understand why I didn't have both parents, My grandparents raised me and although my grandfather suffered with alcoholism he was still the only father I new. In my house hold my grandmother Mary Green was the bread winner and back bone, she was employed by and family own business called Nit Wear located in St.Stephen
and sewed  prom dresses and other  clothing for extra funds. It  was obvious that money was very tight. With that being said, because of this I didn't have the most popular gear like most of my pairs. My granny did what was needed to survive. After losing my grandfather in the mid-90s things was bitter sweet. With not many community out reach for the youth I began to see my pairs found other ways to express themselves. Many of our youth faced a time of uncertainty, many were uncertain of how to look pass their circumstances in a town that hold limited possibilities.......TO BE CONTINUED :-)

Help Teen Mothership fill the box!

Tis the Season for GIVING! 

Be an A D V O C A T E. Join the M O V E M E N T!

Todays World

Emotions are high, my spirit is low

Happy Sunday everyone! As for my Sunday its not so happy, this is one of those bitter sweet moments. Today is Teen Motherships 2nd meeting and my emotions are high and my spirit is low. you would think I would be excited, however with all the chaos and distractions around me it could sometime get difficult to focus. I want the best for Teen Mothership and it is very important that I fulfill its purpose, but sometimes it gets hard, Im am a single mother of three, a full-time student, and volunteer on my spear time with very little play time. Everyday Im realizing how hard it is to get others to support something positive when you are surrounded by mostly negative. How can I get others to see how Teen Mothership can bring positive change to many lives to come, making this world a better place for our children and grand-children? This answer is still a mystery to me but all I can do at this point is do what God called me to do.At some point I feel like Im targeting the wrong areas and at moments I feel others feel that Im not qualified. Honestly it doesn't even matter because I may not be qualified in others eyes, but Im more then qualified in Gods eyes. After all he built me for this journey even when I didn't notice him shaping and molding me. I ask that all of my followers keep me in your prayers. It not everyday that someone with very little, consider others and their livelihood. although I have a thousand other things going on in my life, Teen Motherhip is one of those thing that keeps my heart beating.






Thanks for Reading, feedback is WELCOME, comment below!

Inspiration

Take a 

Inspirtional message by Teen Mothership Founder Candiria D. Green

MY journey to Finding My TRUE IDENTITY...

"Job Corp 2008" sitting in my dorm room.

As I set and scroll down memory lane, I find myself trying to discover the hidden identity of my purpose. Today Iv came across some pics that was taken back in 2008 when I decided to go to Job Corps. It was not long after my fiance' passed in 2006 I was able to shake depresion.  I was to a point in my life I didn't know which way to turn, I was tired of the life I was living. After reading a book called Purpose Driven Life,the only thing I could honestly do from that point forward was seek my TRUE purpose. I decided to give up my apartment and move back  in with my mother with my two kids. There I am a 21 year old mother with two kids living with my mother, again. Although it was by choice I felt my life shouldve been farther ahead. I started to go to the library everyday to apply for employment online. It was then I discovered "Job Corps" I honestly looked @ it as a free ticket away from my pain, something that was much needed. I did everything that needed to be done to be accepted in the business administration program. Before you know it I received the  call I was waiting for, my departure date. I chose  Bamberg Job Corps in South Carolina because I wanted to be closer to my kids. Although I only stayed there 3 months It was long enough for me to mentor young ladies like myself. 
It was strange

"Job Corp 2008" outside of the dorm.

 @ first, mainly because I was the oldest in the bunch being around teenagers every day can be very interesting, often time they would ask me "why are you even here"?? I had everything that Job corp offered except for a trade. My 3 months @ Job corp was amazing lots of people became close to me and felt comfortable with sharing their story with me.I can say it was an wonderful life changing experience and although I found out later that I could have obtain a trade @ a local community college I wouldnt change my decision for the world. I believe  God  put me there for a reason and I believe I touch many lives during my short stay. I had roommates that looked up to me. At that point I realized how much of a leader I was. It was a new beginning for me, It was God revealing my true identity.


Thanks for reading :-)

Know the Facts!

Facts about teen pregnancy in South Carolina

So its been a while sense Iv posted an personal entry, guys my life has been more then complicated. With Gods strength I'm still holding on. For those who may not know me, My name is Candiria Dernika Green,  a twenty-six year old mother of three, ages eight,seven and three. I am currently a stay @ home mom due to the cost of childcare. Carrying the full load can get very stressful from motherly duties to fatherly duties it can get very mind twisting. Although I have very few supportive friends and family, most of the time its just my children and I. Its hard!  What makes it even complicated is being around other who don't understand you and your purpose. It seems like they criticize you because you are not meeting their expectation of life, when all along it was God that chosen you for this journey. You should never feel like you have to be like someone other then yourself to please others, this is not the way life was meant to be and because we lack positive guidance our generation continues to wonder off in darkness. My passion is to bring light in many others life who who are facing challenges that myself and many others have.Perhaps, I am aware of my purpose. Life can really throw some punches that may knock you down, but you have to always remind yourself that your struggles give you the strength to endure what lies ahead. Im currently in college to gain my certification in family intervention studies and my goal is to continue until I have earned my associate degree in human services. Although Teen Mothership is not all of what it could be at the moment, I promise you it will be all of what it was meant to be when God is through with me, I encourage you to stay tune, to witness the outcome of my life transformation.  It could change your life in a awesome way. STAY BLESSED :)

Teenage Years

Teenage is the age between 13-19 years .This age is also called the age of adolescence in which a lot of changes occur in children, both physically and mentally. Teenage is the age when each child grows and undergoes great changes at the physical and mental level. Teenagers are mostly school going or college going students enrolled in some school, college or university. Teenage is an age when both guys and girls experiment with their looks and appeal. Every teenager is into fashion and loves to party and have fun and go for excursions and trips. Teenage is the age when a student can revel and party the most because of almost no responsibilities. In the words of Andrew Geeley, “An adolescent is somebody who is in between things. A teenager is somebody who's kind of permanently there. And so living with them through the various teenage hopes and sorrows and joys was curiously enough a maturing experience for me.”

Crime in the community

click on the graph above to learn more about our community 

Youth deaths in Berkeley County (SC)

Whats happening to our community… We have to take our youth back before it’s too late

18-year-old man accused of shooting a 15-year-old boy multiple times after the suspect said the victim made fun of his sister. (www.live5news.com)

“18, of Echo Lane in Pineville, was arrested and charged with murder the next day”…..(www.postandcourier.com)

“22, of Cedar Drive in Saint Stephen, was charged with murder in the Sept. 

24 shooting .”..(www.PostandCourier.com)

“21, of St. Stephen, was killed shortly after saying good night to” (www.postandcourier.com)

Teen found in forest died from gunshot wound www.live5news.com

Young girl from Pineville, SC was visiting friends at a house when she was shot and killed. www.live5news.com

+ many more stories involving our youth here in small Berkeley County community..

Teen Motheship Featured in Kingdom Chronicles newsletter

Teen Mothership

Pastor James Ancrum

Featured in Kingdom Chronicles 

Helping Hands

Pastor James Ancrum, Candiria Green

I wanted to take the time to introduce a great organization that has been birthed out in the South Carolina area, Teen Mothership. I truly believe that Candiria is a great person and would go far, so I wanted to interview her and give her some exposure to the readers on what a great opportunity to be a part of this organization. Here it is:

Q:  Introduce yourself to us and your outreach/organization. When did it start and how long has it been established?

A: My name is Candiria Green I am a 26 year old mother of three from low country part of South Carolina. Not only am I a mother, I’m also the founder of Teen Mothership. Teen Mothership became a vision of mines not long after I conceived my first born; my junior year in high school, back in 2004. After having him I was on home bound for six weeks so that my body could heal, before returning to normal activities. My home bound teacher would bring my school work to my house every day making sure I kept up with my studies. Many days while sitting home being a mother; I felt I should be at school being a normal teen. I felt that it was something missing from my school as well as my community and no one was doing anything about it, then I started to feel like maybe my struggles are not in vain and it’s only right that I use my trials to help others. I started praying and seeking and God revealed to me the name Teen Mothership and it’s been a part of me ever since.  Although the name was revealed to me I had yet figured out why or what I was going to use it for.

Q:  What inspired you to start this organization? Has it changed your life? Why or Why not?

A: I have many inspirations for starting this org but the one that truly stood out the most is the thought of losing my fiancé back in 2006. So at that time it’s now 2 years later and my vision still remained a vision but was starting to become clearer to me. I started to look at Teen Mothership in a whole new light. After a major tragedy in my life I am now a new high school graduate as well as a single parent of two. In my mind sense I could remember, all I ever did or even wanted to do was HELP. I decided I wanted to start an org for single teen mothers, I couldn’t imagine letting someone go through what I have, ALONE. I started visioning groups sessions with teen young ladies, summer camps, sex education, hope…something my community definitely needed and I felt like God was taking me through it to help someone like me of many kinds.

Q: What is the purpose/mission? Why are you doing this outreach?

A: My purpose is simply to decrease teenage pregnancy, all while empowering and mentoring to young ladies that lack guidance and most of all HOPE. I believe by connecting young positive mothers and teen girls we can build a life lasting bond that will forever grow with positive influence and support.

Q: What is your target age group and how do you plan to influence them? What can they benefit from it?

A: Trying to discover who you truly are can be very confusing, not to mention being a girl, and not understanding the motions of your body can be very stressful. These things start to occur in the beginning of your teenage years which is why I feel it’s important to have a strong support system. That’s what Teen Mothership is all about providing positive influence and support to young ladies in a fun and exciting ways (field trips, fashion shows, talent shows, poetry/art…. .My passion is to educate young ladies like myself in area I was lost in, help them to be knowledgeable of the bumps in road ahead.

Q: What are some goals you planned to reach in the next 5 years?

A: ~A home for Teen Mothership (office, building)

~Partner with schools, mental health and department of social services

~have a permanent summer campsite

……………GROW

Q: What is a testimony of someone who is apart or has encountered your organization?

A: One morning I awoke and did the norm, checked my “Facebook”  and I logged in to find a young lady that wasn’t a part of the Teen Mothership  group  but wanted to share her story with us. At that very moment I knew Teen Mothership will play a huge part in many lives, it made me feel like my struggles weren’t in vein. It gave me a really good feeling to see some of the members in the group encouraged her and expressed their feelings and sympathy to her in such a graceful manner. That’s the moment I found hope again and I know that Teen Mothership play a huge role in many lives.

Q: How can someone contact you for further information or if they want to be apart?

A: Contact Teen Mothership by Phone: (843)693-2943 Email: teenmothership@gmail.com; our blog @ teenmothership.blogspot.com be a FAN on Facebook “Teen Mothership” Website: ***in progress

Dedicated to my "sister" Allexus Gethers

Dedicated to My little sister Alexxus Gethers God is a healer and she's a witness....

Inspiration By Tiffany Flagler

Ms Tiffany Flagler

In support of my cousin's quest for greatness I will share my story. I had my first child at the tender age of 17, second at 19, and third at 20. Who would have thought that there would be light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone had something to say and noone believed that I would be able to overcome the adversity that I faced being a young mother. I was married at 19 and upon separation at the tender age of 23 I walked away with 3 young children and divorced at 25. I made a decision when I left to make sure that I would never be a victim of circumstance again. I began to pursue my education full-time. 2007 Midlands Technical College Associate of Science Public Service with a concentration in Criminal Justice 2009 Claflin University Bachelor of Arts Sociology/ Criminal Justice Administration 2011 Troy University Master of Science Criminal Justice. 2014 Capella University PhD Criminal Justice. I have conquered all the negative comments, hurtful lies, and nay sayers wishes for my life. On April 13, 2013 I will become Mrs. Bradley White!!! God will help you if you are determined to help yourself. Do not give up or give in because there are many who are looking to you for the little bit of hope so they too will no that there is peace! You can make it!!!

MY THOUGHTS

My thoughts My Story.....

"She Inspired Me"

.....so im at a point in my life I don't know whether im coming or going. My world is so chaotic right now.  being a single, parent, working, going to school, volunteering, and spending family time not to mention the trials that come along in life. However I find a little peace, a little peace that I CAN'T let go of, for the sake of me, my family and Teen Mothership. Death sucks I hate losing my loved ones, but the older I get I realize that its just life. and theres nothing we can do to escape death and we all have to face it. Just recently I'v lost one of my favorite aunts that I extremely adore Ms Willie Mae Gethers. This lady was a great example of a women. I was blessed to have her as a teacher, mother, granny, friend,and personal chef  and that she was. She expressed her love through food and in every single dish you could taste the love.No one would ever understand the bond that we shared and you are not suppose too. A relationship is a bond between two people and anyone on the outside is just looking in. (wtbs) that takes me to thinking of  my beautiful little sister whom  is facing a trying time and her life.  It hurts me deeply to see her go through this. On Jan.28th 2013 she gave birth to a handsome 8lb7oz baby boy name Bently. Not long after she started having complications. Im trying to see the good it and all and the only thing I can ever think to do is encourage someone else. Im not sure of Gods reasoning of it all @ this point but I believe it would be an inspiration to someone else......ttyl:)










Please Keep my family in your prayers!

Encouragement

Prevent teen abuse

You can help prevent Abuse 

TODAY!!

Do you have a friend you’re worried about? Maybe you’ve noticed changes in his or her behavior or style. There are obvious signs of dating violence, and there's a lot you can do to help. Try to approach it in a sensitive way. Remember, people are not always ready to accept help. Here are some tips if you think someone you care about is being abused --

Speak Up

Don't be afraid to tell them you are concerned for their safety and want to help them.

Be Sensitive

Acknowledge and try to be understanding of their feelings about their relationship -- remember, many people are in love with their abusers.

At first, they may not take your advice on what to do -- be respectful of their decision and keep being there for them.

Listen

Sometimes the most helpful thing is to just listen and be supportive.

Be There For Them

Encourage them to do things with you, other friends, and family. Get them excited to do things outside of their relationship.

Connect Them to Resources

They may not even realize they are in an abusive relationship. Send them to a website likeBreak the Cycle or Do Something about Dating Abuse to get the facts.

Help them develop a plan to end their relationship safely. Break the Cycle can help with that too.

Stay With Them

If they break up with the abuser, keep being supportive once they are single. Healing takes time, but hanging out with friends is a great way to move forward after a bad break-up.

Self-esteem

1. Low self-esteem is actually a thinking disorder in which an individual views himself as inadequate, unworthy, unlovable, and/or incompetent. Once formed, this negative view of self permeates every thought, producing faulty assumptions and ongoing self-defeating behavior.
2. Seven in ten girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members.
3. A girl’s self-esteem is more strongly related to how she views her own body shape and body weight, than how much she actually weighs.
4. 78% of girls with low self-esteem admit that it is hard to feel good in school when you do not feel good about how you look (compared to 54% of girls with high self-esteem).
5. 75% of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activities such as disordered eating, cutting, bullying, smoking, or drinking when feeling badly about themselves (compared to 25% of girls with high self-esteem).
6. 61% of teen girls with low self-esteem admit to talking badly about themselves (compared to 15% of girls with high self-esteem).
7. More than one-third (34%) of girls with low self-esteem believe that they are not a good enough daughter (compared to 9% of girls with high self-esteem).
8. One of the main factors in teen promiscuity is self-esteem.  When a teen has little or no self-confidence, he or she will use sex as a means to build confidence.
9. Recent years have seen a significant increase in body dysmorphia in teen boys. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned about an imagined or minor defect in their physical feature.
10. Teenage boys can be prone to obsessive exercising, binge eating, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, steroid abuse and diet aid abuse.
11. It is estimated that about 45% of Western men are unhappy with their bodies – 25 years ago, only 15% were unhappy with their bodies.

Sources: www.dosomething.org

Insite by lauren Hill

You too can be the light in someones life........INSPIRE!

Blog Address

Poem by a Teen mother

My Cry.....

Upload your poem TODAY

Inspiring Video..MUST WATCH!

~www.youtube.com                   Share your poem, Share your cry, Share your Story

Know your BODY!

Educate yourself...Know your Body.

Girls Rock!

I Am a Teenage Girl

Sweet Seventeen

By: Melody08

Written on March 6th, 2008

I'm 17, and I like it. I used to be scared of getting older, but now I embrace it. Sounds corny, but I wanted to stay 11 forever. Now I am old enough to drive, have a job, and do things on my own. I feel so free and grown up. But I still kinda don't wanna grow up, lol.

 

By: Melody08

Age: 18-21 , Woman

short note

Turn your story into a Blessing...

I Am a Teenage Girl

I Would Like A Friend.

By: HermioneGranger23

Written on November 27th, 2012

I am really shy and have few friends in school.
It would be really awesome if someone could talk to me on here, anyone at all.

Thanks...

Story by a teen mother

We ALL have a story to tell.Share if you CARE......

I got pregnant at the age of 13..she is perfect but so much to handle at my age..now I'm 14 and don't have a clue in the world how to take care of this angel who I don't deserve one bit. I considered adoption but once I saw her little face I knew she was mine and I wanted it to stay that way. I get to have a life with her which was unexpected in many ways but as long as I love her and raise her correctly then she will grow up to be smart and not make the mistakes I did...I'm not saying all teen moms should keep their babies..cause that is purely their decision. because this is my story. They need to write their own.. but thank you for writing this. I am sorry to all the girls that have gone through or are going through the same thing!!! You are strong and you should never forget that <3 All of my love - Sierra

Source: Stop Teenage Pregnancy, Love?, Teenager Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/a-poem-about-teenage-pregnancy#ixzz2JKmDqwSI 
www.FamilyFriendPoems.com 

Let it SHINE!

Let your Light SHINE!

Them through ME<3

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the spirit, any affection and any sympathy,complete MY JOY by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others.
                                                                                                                           ~Philippians 2:1-4

Teen Mothership

PLay it SAFE!

Teen Mothership to play it safe.....

This organization allows teen mothers and mothers who got pregnant as a teen, to share their real life story with young ladies. Our goal is to educate & encourage them to WAIT. Together we will decrease teen pregnacy one teen at a time, building a life lasting friendship/ Teen Mothership.

Show that you care,share.

feel free to drop it in my FB inbox or email me @candiriagreen@gmail.com

thanks in advance:)

Teen Mothership

Finding out I was pregnant ...

"OMG, I Think I'm pregnant".........!!!

Me

Finding out I was pregnant at 17 was very scary! However,  I was very advanced for my age. I was doing things such as, cooking, cleaning, laundry , and most importantly, making sure my two little brothers got their homework done. My mother was a single mother of three, so she was always at work, leaving me with the motherly tasks. So I new I would be a good mother. It was  the thought of  balancing school and taking care of a baby that nearly blew my mind. As reality set in, I realize that I had just made a bad choice. I'm left wondering how am I going to take care of this baby??? I cant take care of myself, finacialy that is I felt horrible! My mother had no clue that I was active, mostly because she felt i never really have any time to engage in such activities. I hate letting her down.I felt like I really blew it. I remember feeling real low about myself, my unborn child father and I was not in a relationship and never even thought about it. Here I am Junior in high school and pregnant this was only the beginning of what i called "my immature decisions"..............................................to be continue

Be ENCOURAGED

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you ~Philippians4:13. Never give up! You are not alone. My story may not be like yours, however my life struggles may get you through yours. I'm a living witness, that better days will come for you, the storm will soon stop and the sun will begin to peek through the clouds.