County gives teen moms hope
When Crystal Dagdagan had her daughter at the age of 15 she was convinced that success was no longer an option for her future. That was until she was connected with Kaylo Brooks.
Kaylo Brooks, a social worker/employment counselor with Crow Wing County, provides specialized services to single moms who are on the Minnesota Family Investment Program. While the program provides basics like cash, food and health care to eligible families, Dagdagan said it's about much more than basic services.
"If I didn't have Kaylo, I don't know where I'd be," Dagdagdan said, "She's really supportive of everything I'm doing - I really needed that."
Crow Wing County's Social Services is working to not only help clients survive, but to also help them succeed.
Because MFIP is funded by the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program, the county is mandated to provide employment services. However, the state allows leeway for counties to design their own program.
Crystal Dagdagan (right) pushed her daughter, Jada, 3, on the swing with Crow Wing County social worker Kaylo Brooks. Dagdagan began working with Brooks two years ago and credits her outlook on the future to the support she has received from Brooks. Dagdagan, now 18, will begin college next spring.
Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
Counties are required to provide employment services, but can choose how they are provided. While other counties might opt fpr services through a third-party employment agency, Crow Wing County provides its own job counseling along with other intensive services and carves out a portion of the funding to provide specialized services for teen moms.
Recognizing the unique barriers teen moms face not only in securing employment but other basic services, Crow Wing County created the program for teens. The majority of teen moms are required to live with a parent or guardian and are ineligible for MFIP services because of their parents' income, some teens don't have the option of a safe home situation.
That's where Kaylo Brooks comes in.
Brooks, along with Margaret Wiskow, works with teen moms in Crow Wing County, like Crystal Dagdagan, who find themselves in a potentially hopeless situation. The teen clients receive the same services as every
time management and building healthy relationships.
The program also provides a weekly support meeting for teen moms called "Teen Works," allowing them to meet with their peers and hear from guest speakers.
Prior to working with the program, Wiskow worked for Child Protective Services and ended up working with clients, now teen moms, who she had placed in foster care when they were children.
"We started asking how many minor moms were girls we put in foster care," Wiskow said. "Now we're helping them break the cycle." Brooks and Wiskow noted that of the clients they have worked with, not one has had a subsequent pregnancy .
Joan Hasskamp, Crow Wing County financial assistance supervisor, explained that the program targeting teen moms is unique for several reasons.
"Traditionally, MFIP families have been issued an array of financial services but have received limited individual mentoring and support," Hasskamp said.
"We fill that gap and provide mentoring, parenting skills, school support, guidance and encouragement. While this approach requires an investment of time, you cannot impact someone's life unless you build a relationship with them." Hasskamp said, "Ultimately, the payoff is healthier families and healthier communities."
"We've seen it work," Wiskow added. "The relationship is key."
Brooks said the goal of Crow Wing County Social Services is to help teen moms become self-sufficient. "If they have housing, transportation and day care they can choose their destiny," Brooks said.
Crystal Dagdagan said after she had her daughter, Jada, now 3, she applied for MFIP because of the child care she would receive while finishing her high school education. Dagdagan wanted to stay in school, but lost her housing and was left homeless, with an infant, at the age of 16. After moving around for several months, Dagdagan connected with Brooks who helped her secure her own housing in partnership with Lutheran Social Services.
Besides the basics, Dagdagan said Brooks assisted her with parenting skills and provided tools to manage her finances. "Even when I just needed someone to talk to," Dagdagan said, "she's been there."
Defying the odds, Dagdagdan graduated from high school, on time, in June and is in the process of moving to Montana with her mom to pursue her college degree and work with local law enforcement in a job-training program. "One day I want to own my own business and live on a ranch," Dagdagan said, "I really think I'll get there."
Dagdagan credits Brooks with her optimism. "I didn't think I had a future," she said. "But (Kaylo) kept telling me I could do it."
Both Brooks and Wiskow said they are grateful for the support they have received from Crow Wing County. "I'm very proud to work for this county," Brooks said. "In 10 years we'll be able to see the difference we've made."
SARAH NELSON may be reached at sarah.nelson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5879.