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Circle of Protection

We are heads of Christian denominations, agencies, organizations, and educational institutions who believe that God expects national leaders to prioritize the needs of poor and hungry people.

Jennifer Brown – Charleston, S.C.

jennifer-brown-circle-of-protection

Photo: Joseph Molieri

I’ve worked in the human services field since 1997, save a period of time between May 2010 and February 2011, when I found myself unemployed. It was also during this time – in July 2010 – that I was blessed with the birth of my son. As a new mother, the summer of 2010 should have been the happiest time in my life, but in so many ways it was the worst time. I had no health insurance and nothing ready for my son’s arrival.

After the birth of my son, though, I became a client of the WIC [the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children] program. I learned so much and truly enjoyed our monthly classes. The peer counseling and the sharing of ideas to calm a crying baby are just a couple of the life jewels I learned as a client of the WIC program in Charleston, S.C. Without the assistance of WIC, I honestly do not know how I would have provided nutrition for my son during the first six months of his life.

After starting my current job in February 2011, I pledged to become a social worker in the same mold of the ladies in the WIC office where I received service. I have learned to treat everyone with value, instead of judging or putting down people who are doing their best in an undesirable situation. I will be forever grateful for what WIC allowed me to do for my son, and I will support the program in any way I can.

Jennifer Brown is from Charleston, S.C.

Topic: Child Nutrition Programs, Hunger in the U.S.