Mission Statement
By Your Side Ministries, Inc. (BYSM) is a not-for-profit organization providing educational, financial, social and spiritual support primarily to at-risk single-moms (ages 16–30) and their dependents. Our focus is to assist in the development and accomplishment of personal, educational and career goals using public and private resources, as well as, organize and develop leadership among young single mothers who are navigating economic hardship, social isolation, and systemic barriers. Our work builds collective voice, peer leadership, and advocacy skills so these mothers move from surviving individually to leading change together.
Our “Why”
One of the major needs that young mothers face is completing their education—obtaining a GED or diploma, and/or continuing their education via vocational training or secondary education—thus realizing their career goals. BYSM recognizes this need and has made it its primary focus in assisting singles mothers (ages 16 to 30, primarily) in accomplishing their educational and career goals by offering 1-on-1 mentoring (a.k.a. coaching) during their pursuit of vocational or secondary education training via our S.T.A.R. mentoring program. Furthermore, this will help reduce millions of dollars currently spent on welfare support to these families as they become self-sufficient. But along with those savings, is the saving of babies who die due to teen pregnancy related complications such as premature births, miscarriages, abortions, and stillbirths.
Our Message
We believe in you! That is the heart of By Your Side Ministries. We believe every person has the potential to succeed when they receive the right support at the right time, along with opportunities to grow, lead, and use their voice to advocate for themselves and others facing similar challenges. With the support of our surrounding communities, we are committed to walking alongside those we serve, providing encouragement, resources, and meaningful connection. With compassion and purpose, we strive to help individuals move from feeling “at-risk” to being truly “at-rest” in the confidence that they are valued, supported, and never alone through the care of By Your Side Ministries.
THE FOUNDER
Angela L. Bryant, a native of Syracuse, New York, is passionate about inspiring people to live their best life now by living with purpose. A dynamic keynote speaker, singer, Mistress of Ceremonies, prolific songwriter, life coach, small business consultant, author, recording artist, and music producer, Angela uses her gifts to uplift and empower audiences across diverse platforms.
Since the age of seven, she has performed nationally and internationally, with appearances on Cornerstone and 3ABN networks. In 2005, she established Sounds4thesoul, a music ministry blending inspirational music and spoken word to encourage and motivate listeners. She also founded By Your Side Ministries (BYSM), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting young, single parents—a mission fueled by her own experience as a single parent at 19. Her journey taught her the importance of having family, friends, and even strangers step in with support, and she has carried that passion into her life’s work.
Bryant’s career reflects a wealth of accomplishments: launching the internet radio show Life Happens: Now What?, co-founding Sofa Serenade, an in-home inspirational concert series, and authoring Keeping Christ Centered Stage. She has also built a reputation as a sought-after speaker and coach, with organizations describing her presentations as “inspiring,” “empowering,” and “absolutely captivating.”
In addition to her ministry and creative endeavors, Angela began her professional career as a Business Analyst in corporate America, working with organizations such as Freddie Mac, Mantech International, WorldCom/MCI, and MTSI, Inc. Today, she continues to serve others not only through her speaking and artistic platforms but also as a realtor, helping clients find and sell their homes with care and integrity.
Bryant describes herself as a living testimony of what God can do for those who love and trust Him fully. Because of His abundant grace and unconditional love, it is her mission to share goodness, encouragement, and purpose with every person she encounters. As expressed in one of her songs:
“For you were born with a purpose, perfectly designed, When God breathed life into you, He had a purpose in mind!”
A Few Facts
TEEN PREGNANCY’S IMPACT ON COMPLETING SCHOOL
According to teenpregnancystatistics.org, nearly 1 million teens have babies every year, and of these almost 7 out of 10 will drop out of school before completing high school. Less than 2 percent of teen moms go on to get a college degree. Additionally, 80% of women who have babies when they are teens spend at least part of their life dependent on welfare, and they have serious disadvantages in achieving financial success and independence in life, largely due to their lack of education. Their children are also less likely to succeed in school and financially.
Despite the benefits of completing their education, the following factors make it difficult for teen moms to realize their academic goals:
- Feeling embarrassed or awkward at school, especially if students or adults at school make the teen feel out of place.
- Health concerns for themselves or their children. New moms may suffer from a difficult recovery after pregnancy or have postpartum depression, and new babies may have health problems that make it hard for a teen mom to focus on school.
- Finding daycare or childcare. A teen mom needs someone to care for her child during school and when she needs to work on homework, but not all teens have someone who can watch their children.
- Safety fears. The crowds, fighting, and other problems at some schools may make it more intimidating for a pregnant teen or teen mom to go back to school.
- Lack of support. Teens need support to finish school as a mom, from the school system, family, peers, and/or teachers. Without some kind of adult support it is very difficult for a teen mom to succeed at school.
- The need to work. Some teen moms need to work to support themselves and their babies, which may interfere with school work.
- Not knowing her options. Though most states and school districts have programs to help teen moms, the teen may not be aware of these opportunities.
- Being behind in school. Teen moms are often already behind in school after pregnancy and childbirth, and may feel overwhelmed in trying to finish.
It’s important for teen moms to accomplish their academic and career goals so that they can provide a better life for themselves and their children. But difficulties of balancing parenthood and academic pursuit must be resolved in order for it to happen. Thankfully, there are options to assist determined moms in completing their education. And with the help of a knowledgeable adult like a mentor, teacher or school counselor to help her, she can learn which options are available and best meet her needs:
- Special schools for pregnant teens and parent teens
- Schools with day care centers
- Regular schools with outside daycare
- Homeschool
- GED
- Night school
- Community college
- Online education
Some other things that can help a teen moms complete their education include:
- Realistic expectations of motherhood, including both its challenges and its rewards.
- Classes that teach teens about handling the responsibilities of motherhood and adulthood, including managing money, finding a job, and child rearing.
- Good day care or childcare, either at school, with family members, through a private day care, or through a church or community group such as the YMCA.
- A supportive adult (mentor) to help guide the teen through the challenges of finishing school as a mom and keep her focused on her goals.
- Long term goals to help the teen get through the challenges and remember why she is making the effort.
- A breast pump if the teen mom is nursing so she can pump her milk for her baby to use while she is at school. Teens can purchase a breast pump, or look for programs through hospitals or community groups that rent or lend sanitary breast pumps. Borrowing a pump from another person can put the baby’s health at risk, and regular breast pumps should not be shared.
- Support groups for pregnant teens. {Sources: http://www.teenpregnancystatistics.org) [online]