Moving to a new city is never easy, especially as a single parent. For April Cox, relocating from Charleston, South Carolina, to Euclid, Ohio, was a leap of faith. It meant starting over, building new connections, and finding the right support for her daughter’s growth.
One of the most meaningful parts of that journey, April shared, has been her daughter’s experience at Open Doors Academy at Shoreview Elementary School. At our Holiday Dinner this past December, she sought out our staff to express how ODA has supported her family during this year of transition.
"Being a single mom and moving to a new city was kind of hard at the beginning," April said. "But ODA welcomed me. They asked, 'What can we do?' Anytime there was an obstacle for me, they were always there."
April’s daughter, Armani Cox, has flourished since joining ODA. "She has improved in her reading," April said with pride. "It takes a village for us to help our children, and ODA has helped me help her improve."
The transition to a new environment was not only about maintaining Armani’s academics but also about finding a sense of community. "Being a mom can be kind of scary, especially when you're not from the area," April explained. "But I found a community in ODA with the other families. Everyone just made me feel so comfortable, like I have family here."
Beyond the classroom, ODA provided opportunities for connection and support. April appreciated the chance to meet other parents and build a network. "I met some of the parents, and that helped a lot because traveling and starting over is not easy," she said. "They made it feel less lonely."
"It’s not been easy, but seeing Armani improve and feel more confident has made it all worth it," she shared. "Any time there’s an obstacle, I know we can face it together."
April and Armani’s story is a reminder of how essential support and community are during times of change. At Open Doors Academy, we’re grateful to be part of her and Armani’s journey and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and thrive.
-----
This article is a part of the February 2025 PINC Newsletter. To read more articles from this newsletter, click here or the button below.
