Word: mandelas
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...explains. "People who needed help the most were being ignored." Thomas received her inspiration from the ex-offender mothers she had worked with, who fought to turn their lives around. Her plans received support from officials who knew and respected her work. She named her program for Winnie Mandela, wife of imprisoned South African black leader Nelson Mandela...
Nestled in a tidy, working-class area just three miles away is Mandela House, a residential program founded by Thomas over a year ago for crack- addicted pregnant women. In a cozy five-bedroom home that smells of baby powder and food cooking on the stove, fingers that recently clutched glass crack pipes now rest upon distended bellies. From a back room floats the sound of a baby's cry and a soft, throaty voice singing, "Runaway child, runnin' wild, / . . . go back home where you belong./ You're lost in the great big city...
...Mandela House these days is home to four mothers and their babies and three mothers-to-be. Residents receive prenatal care, drug counseling, classes in child development, personal finances and career guidance. They also share child care, housecleaning and cooking. "Mine is reality treatment," says Thomas. "I'm trying to put some order in their lives." Women are referred to Mandela House from jail, court and county protective services. The program is funded by the county, a private grant and donations...
...Thomas. Longtime residents express unfettered affection for their tall, slim mentor, dressed today in a red jumpsuit, brown tweed jacket, black high heels and silver bracelets. "She doesn't judge you from what others say, she judges you from what you say and do," says Monique Gray, a Mandela House veteran of one year. "You can't fool % Minnie," four-month resident Patricia Rodgers admits...
When Beverly Dynes, now seven months pregnant, had been in Mandela House for only one month, she confided, "I keep asking myself, 'If I was back out on the streets and offered some rocks, what would I say?' Before, my answer would be 'yes!' But now it's 'probably.' God, that's a big step." Another woman responded, "Amen." But Thomas' steady message, then as now, is "You say you're better, but just how much better are you?" She tells the groups, "You've got to remind yourself every day why you're here because the closer you come...