Do you have those people in your life who, despite not talking for long periods, you can pick up where you left off? I have that in former TMC Program Director Stephanie Giarritta. Due to life changes and a family move, Stephanie left her TMC role in January 2020 but has wanted to return to it ever since. She shared that she planned to settle in her new state and start a TMC program, but God had other ideas. Stephanie sensed that God was calling her to finish her education. Not only did she complete her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, but she is currently in her Doctorate program for Strategic Leadership/Business and started two businesses!
One of the businesses Stephanie started is serving as a life coach/counselor for struggling women. She points these women to Jesus and helps them chip away at the overwhelming areas of their lives. Like a TMC Program Director and Mentor, she serves as a means of accountability and encouragement. She pours into her clients like a Mentor pours into her teen mom. Seeing how the thread God connected between Stephanie’s time at TMC and what she’s doing now is beautiful!
In addition, Stephanie has an online store called Boutique Ten22 https://ten22.shop/. She has offered to donate a portion of her Christmas proceeds to Teen Mother Choices International this year. When I asked why she was so passionate about TMC and financially supporting TMCI through her business, she said,
“Because it works! I saw how TMC changed the women it served. It changes the second generation. And it changed me!”
Isn’t God good? Not only did we have the privilege of serving with Stephanie more than three years ago, but we get to enjoy an ongoing relationship with her. She is a walking/talking testimony for TMC and an advocate for its effectiveness. Only God knows the future, but we’re confident Stephanie will continue to be a dear friend and advocate for all things TMC!