Jeremiah Program Child Development Center St Paul Campus

Before entering the Jeremiah Program, I felt very lost and hopeless. I was connected to the program through Housing 360, and my caseworker there helped refer me. The application process was long and very invasive, including a required 12-week program, background checks, drug testing, and a deep review of finances such as bank statements and pay stubs. I completed everything and was approved, which initially made me hopeful. The 12-week program itself was a positive experience. It was nice to connect with other mothers, and I believe it could be helpful regardless of whether someone is ultimately accepted. However, important requirements were not clearly explained upfront. Many women were later told they could not move forward due to their children’s ages, which should have been disclosed earlier in the process. After approval, my move-in date was changed multiple times. Once I moved in, my experience with the housing manager was very poor. On my first day, I was made to wait and then rushed through signing paperwork. Some documents were signed on my behalf by my outside caseworker and then transferred to the program. I was given a zero-income verification form, which was signed even though I was working at the time. This was never clearly explained to me. During my time in the program, I experienced serious housing issues. When I moved in during the winter, the heat was not working and I was given a portable heater to use with my young child. Later, during the summer, the air conditioning also did not work. Communication and responsiveness around these issues were lacking. Utilities were another major issue. I was under the impression, based on what was communicated, that there would be assistance to help cover utility costs. At one point, my electricity was shut off because I believed it was being handled. Only after I raised concerns did someone step in and cover a couple months of electricity, but by then the situation had already caused financial harm. Most concerning, I did not understand that I was placed in public housing assistance until many months into my lease, when I began questioning unmet promises. I had never been on public housing before and was not educated on income reporting requirements. When I later obtained a new job, I attempted to report it on the Tenant Income Certificate (TIC). I was told by the housing manager to redo the TIC and not include the new job. I have documentation of this. Near the end of my lease, I am now facing $10,000–$11,000 in debt and dealing with a public housing case due to income not being reported. Once this issue came up, the Jeremiah Program distanced itself and offered no support, despite being directly involved in the housing process. While the program does offer some positive opportunities, such as encouragement toward schooling, there is a serious lack of transparency and education around housing and financial responsibilities. After speaking with other residents, I know I am not the only person this has happened to. I entered this program seeking stability. I am leaving with more debt, stress, and long-term consequences than I had before. I strongly recommend that anyone considering this program get clear, written explanations of all housing assistance and income reporting requirements before committing

My son Greysen has been attending this center since he was just 7 months old — he’ll be two in September, so trust me when I say: these ladies have been in the trenches with us! 😂 The staff is amazing — so personable and genuinely caring. I’m especially thankful for receptionist Ms. Erma-Jean, Teachers/ Ms. Maria, Ms. Camia, Lilly, and Denise They’ve all played such a instrumental part in my son’s growth, and we are just gracious. We truly feel at home here. It’s not just daycare — it’s a safe, loving space where my child is seen, heard, and celebrated (even when he’s being a toddler tornado). I hope the program knows what gems they have and does everything possible to keep this incredible team. We’re beyond grateful!

As you can see from the reviews most people that really benefit from a program like Jeremiah are people NOT OF COLOR.. THE ONLY TIME I SEEN BLACK WOMEN GROW AND ACTUALLY Succeed in this program is WHEN THEY AGREE TO BE A “POSTER CHILD” (share your story to them and their sponsors so the program can continue getting funding by being a Statistic) 1.) They are more focus on you making connections with the other women more then them actually being supportive, teachers,mentors etc 2.) So many rules not enough support you do everything on your own. Literally just offer cheap rent. You still have to apply for childcare assistance, EBT, public housing from the government. Jeremiah doesn’t come out of pocket for you or your child. 3.) You go to college rank up all this debt then Your back in the real world with real bills, rent, childcare expenses, tons of debt to pay back and where is Jeremiah doing that time of transitioning. (This program can make someone lazy,and And solely dependable on student loans and college) 4.) I personally didn’t like that I opted in early attended my empowerment classes all of them and The life coach Kelsey was not organized, always had to reschedule or wasn’t always available. Which in return for my move-in date push back a Month and half which wasn’t ideal for me and my son at the time. APPLY IF YOU HAVE NO-one else, no other means of income and you 100% feel/think college is the only way for you to provide for your kids or build wealth. Good luck ☀️

Amazing program helping single moms transform their lives (and those of their children) as they pursue career track education. Safe affordable housing, excellent child development center, life skills, empowerment classes. Two generation approach. Jeremiah started in the Twin Cities and has spread to Austin, Texas; Fargo, N.D.; Boston, MA; Rochester, MN.

Jeremiah is committed to walking with women and children through education, career, and personal life challenges. Ensuring the families are equipped to face obstacles while making appropriate decisions for the journey they wish to take.