(South Fulton Neighbor) - Douglasville resident Carina Harrell has turned from a software career to a life helping single mothers.

Two years ago, she said, she joined her Gwinnett County church on missions to feed homeless people in downtown Atlanta.

“We went up and down Cleveland Avenue and Metropolitan, under the bridges, putting food and hygiene items in places where they stay,” she said.

A young woman approached her saying she had five children and no high school diploma and could not find a job. Ms. Harrell arranged to tutor the woman at East Point Library to help her pass the GED high-school equivalency test.

“She brought some friends,” Ms. Harrell said. “The people at the library found out, and it got bigger and bigger.”

With the help of family, friends and neighbors, Ms. Harrell formed Option 2 Change (Option2change.com). They incorporated as a tax-deductible charity in April.

They pay for GED tests and test preparation for single mothers whose children might be taken into foster homes if they can’t support them. They teach free workshops on finances and parenting skills, and an “image rebuilding” workshop on self-esteem and self-presentation in job interviews.

Fathers are encouraged to become active in their children’s lives, and mothers to get involved with the children’s schools and schoolwork. Money is raised to help single moms with food and utility bills.

Volunteers, including retired schoolteachers, tutor the moms while others read to their children or help them with their homework. They operate in Douglas, Fulton and DeKalb counties.