UNSUNG HEROES 2024
in her final days taught me to forgive her and be at peace ... If you can love the toughest person in your life , you can love anybody .”
Three days after her mother passed away , Reeder received a phone call from AA Women ’ s Services . According to Reeder , they said , “ We ’ re looking for a new director , and God keeps bringing your name up .”
At that point , Reeder felt as though God had prepared her for the task , helping her to remove the resentment she held for her own mother and replacing it with hope .
Through the work of the divine , in Reeder ’ s eyes , she was blessed to have been placed in a position where she can help those most in need of it .
The women who visit Reeder at AA Women ’ s Services often find themselves at a crucial juncture in their lives , whether that be struggling to make ends meet or debating the choice to maintain their pregnancy .
As bleak as those circumstances may seem , and often are , Reeder believes that , through dedication , care , and providence , she can help to lessen the burden on those mothers who require her services .
To provide hope — an inkling of light where there seems to be only darkness — is the means by which Reeder chooses to serve .
AA Women ’ s Services also helps to provide many basic necessities to women with children , including diapers , bottles , children ’ s clothing , and more .
While these goods can certainly alleviate some of the burden on these mothers , Reeder believes that providing necessities is only a small
Executive Director Jennifer Reeder sorts children ’ s clothing donated to AA Women ’ s Services . | PHOTO BY ROBERT HALCOMB
portion of the help that needs to be provided .
The larger process of developing work skills , obtaining an education , and eventually thriving , takes much more than providing basic necessities .
She said , “ The state can provide food ; the state can provide housing ; but what they cannot provide is mentoring ... or motherly advice .”
Within that statement lies Reeder ’ s philosophy regarding her work at AA Women ’ s
Services : provide wisdom that will persist across generations .
Reeder said , “ A lot of these girls did not have a mother , or a mother who cared ... They think that they will repeat the mistakes of their mother
Page 6