Solo mum seeks mentor who aided her in career path

A Porirua mother is desperately trying to contact a former Birthright employee who helped her get through tough times.

Sue (not her real name) wants to find and thank Jan Taylor for her support and guidance during 2000 and 2001 and let the former field worker know what an impact she had on her life.

She had recently given birth to her fourth child when she met Ms Taylor.

Birthright is a national organisation dedicated to assisting singleparent families.

Sue had four children under the age of five and her 11- yearmarriage had ended following domestic violence.

She was on a benefit and was also suffering from depression when Jan came into her life.

‘‘Jan came to me and inspired me to return to education and helped me to fill in my forms,’’ she says.

Sue was accepted into the Diploma of Teaching (ECE) and got a scholarship from TEACH NZ, which Jan had helped her apply for.

‘‘ She inspired me and was always willing to change some of her meetings to come to my home to help me.

‘‘Even though I wasn’t sure if I could stick it out for three years, look after the children on my own, live on a small amount of money and work through my illness, I still kept going and going and going.’’

Sue said Jan gave her a poem which she would often read when she felt like she wanted to give up on it all.

‘‘I never did quit. In fact I went on to achieve some amazing goals.

‘‘I am a teacher and have been teaching for eight years.’’

Sue earned a degree in education and has a very successful career.

Her children are all now attending college and she says her illness is greatly improved.

‘‘I have so much more I would like to say to Jan but I don’t know where she is.’’

Ms Taylor is no longer with Birthright and a turnover of staff has meant the Wellington office has been unable to track her down.

Attempts to track her down have drawn a blank.

Birthright is asking anyone who knows Jan to let them know or ask her to get in touch.

Contact Birthright on 802 5377 or email birthrightnz@ callplus.net.nz.