About Us
Surpassing Hurdles Nonprofit
Surpassing Hurdles is a Charitable Organization Registered in Philadelphia, PA, Surpassing Hurdles is a non-profit organization that seeks to empower teenage mothers, ages 13-21, and their children by connecting them to empowering and supportive programs. Teen mothers are mentored, equipped with desired life skills, and, ultimately, positively influence their future. Teenage pregnancy and subsequent motherhood present a significant challenge for girls without social support from family, friends, and the community. Surpassing Hurdles seeks to identify and empower the most vulnerable teen mothers. We aim to offer these young mothers access to education and economic empowerment through training and skills building. Surpassing Hurdles allows teens to rewrite their future free of judgment or condemnation. We want to create a range of supports that respond to the needs of both young parents and their children. If this is achieved, then teenage parenthood need not be a negative experience; instead, it can become a catalyst for growth and positive life outcomes. Surpassing Hurdles programs and activities are supported by members of the community contributions, where the donation is used to support charitable activities.
OUR FOUNDERS STORY
Marsha Lewis became a mother at 16 years old uncertain of where life would take her; she founded Surpassing Hurdles, which was born out of her struggle and prayers as a teen mama. When she entered motherhood at age 16, she felt alone, isolated, and scared. There were times she had to make difficult choices. There were times that she wondered if she had been too harsh or too light in how she handled an issue with her children, and other times she wondered if she was doing anything right at all. She looked around for community groups to help her learn life skills and become a better parent as she navigated life as an adolescent with children, and there weren’t any. As she raised her children, she prayed for a way to support other teen mothers.