Parental Support
“A lot of people believe that when you have children, your life stops,” said Catherine McNeil, a Southern Company Gas talent development consultant based at Nicor Gas in Illinois.
For McNeil, she had her first child during her sophomore year in college as a single mother.
But she had something many other single parents lack: a support system, through her family. Now, she hopes she can be that same kind of support for others and help reduce the poverty rate, oftentimes prevalent among single parents.
In 2019, McNeil decided to put her human resources skills to work outside of work, by launching Disruptive INC. The nonprofit organization provides career and workforce development resources for single parents ages 18 to 40 as they enter or re-enter the workforce or college, university or trade school. Some of the support services offered include in-person networking and career development events throughout the year, where attendees learn to advocate for themselves and intentionally build professional relationships to help them succeed.
But beyond that, there are personal needs too. “If they’re struggling to make ends meet—if they’re hungry or having childcare issues, they’re not going to be able to show up as their best selves in the workplace,” said McNeil. This is why her nonprofit also assists with food and shelter to help single parents be in a safe place, so they can focus on the job training and career development they need.
McNeil estimates that since Disruptive INC’s inception, she has impacted more than 8,000 families. Her co-workers at Southern Company Gas aren’t surprised as they regularly note her determination, selflessness and integrity. That, among many other reasons, is why McNeil was recognized as a 2023 Southern Company Gas Luminary Award recipient.
As part of the award, the Southern Company Gas Foundation donated $5,000 to McNeil’s nonprofit. But for her, even more rewarding is the recognition. “It’s different when you’re recognized by a place that you pour your blood, sweat and tears in,” she said. “When your employer wants to know who you are holistically and sees you, from that standpoint, the support has been awe-inspiring.”