Is employment a dream or a nightmare?

January 22, 2026

Dear Friends,

Recently, I spoke with a single mother who shared her dreams and challenges as she tries to get ahead through education…

“I’m pursuing my degree while working part-time. It’s tough balancing everything, but I know it’s worth it for my children. I want a better life for them. But with rising costs of everything, I feel like I’m always one step away from disaster.”

At Center for Transforming Lives, approximately 110 of our participating families rely on Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) dollars that flow through Workforce Solutions to pay, in part or in full, the cost of their child’s tuition in our early childhood education. The CCDF program has been in the news quite a bit lately, due to fraud allegations in Minnesota and other states. As Governor Greg Abbott has noted, Texas already has strong fraud protections in place; our challenge is that we simply don't have enough funding to help everyone who needs assistance.

Families who are enrolled in the program are the lucky ones. Low-income mothers have dreams of a better life for their children, but aid programs like CCDF are increasingly uncertain. Even before the funding halt, there were more than 21,000 children on the waiting list in Tarrant County, meaning that most single parents must wait to find regular work or enroll in training programs until their name comes up on the list. That can take as long as a year, and then they need to requalify. Trying to work and / or study while on the waitlist is a nightmare of juggling; mothers trying to ensure safety of their children while earning money in any way possible. Workforce participation and education for low-income mothers isn’t possible without regular childcare.

At Center for Transforming Lives, we recognize that empowering single mothers by increasing their workforce participation is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty. Our integrated approach starts with crisis stabilization but focuses on long-term success for mothers and their children. Last year, 57% of the mothers in our housing program increased their income through employment, and the average increase in monthly income was $1,399.

The landscape of workforce development is evolving, and we’re committed to adapting to these changes. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

• Expanded Training Programs: We’re exploring partnerships with local vocational schools to provide tailored training that equips mothers with in-demand skills, opening doors to better-paying jobs.
• Childcare Solutions: Understanding the critical need for childcare, we’re providing care for hundreds of children daily through our own centers, while working to connect mothers with other resources and subsidies to ensure their children are cared for while they work or study.
• Entrepreneurial Support: We’re fostering an environment where mothers can develop and grow their small businesses, providing them not just with financial stability but also with a sense of ownership and pride.
• Dedicated Employment Specialist: Our newest team member in Housing Services is focused on guiding mothers into career pathways that lead to sustainable incomes and professional growth.

Thank you for your continued support of Center for Transforming Lives. We’ll work to ensure that there is no gap in services for these hard-working mothers while we continue to identify new ways for them to increase their income, so they and their children can thrive.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Carol

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