from staff
Jeanne Ward, who served on the staffs of former mayors Jake Godbold, Tommy Hazouri, Ed Austin and John Delaney, recently published a book, “You’re It! Successful Single Mothering After Divorce.” She was director of training and development for Godbold and Hazouri, director of legislative affairs for Austin and director of community affairs for Delaney. She’s also been a longtime advocate for quality child care for working parents.
Why did you write the book?
I wrote this book to inform and inspire single mothers as they create a new life for themselves and their children. When I was divorced in the late ‘70s, there were not only few resources for raising children alone, I did not know one divorced single mother, especially in the Catholic culture that I inhabited. My personal experiences and the insights that I gained from the children and parents in the divorce groups that I formed as a Duval County school counselor, are the basis for this book.
How have your daughters reacted?
My book is not just my story, but the story of the three of us – Barbara, Laura and me. They have been very supportive and had veto power over anything in the book that they felt was inaccurate, but neither one vetoed a word. They have grown into wonderful women and give me incredible joy. Their greatest compliment is that they have given the book to people who they thought could benefit from it.
How are sales? Where can it be found?
Sales are going very well and I am thrilled. You can get it at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders and Cowford Traders in Jacksonville.
You’ve worked for four mayors and you’re an economic development consultant. What’s your forecast for the economy?
The advantage of working in the mayor’s office is that you see the big picture and learn to make decisions that are in the best interest of the whole community. There are positive signs that the economy is improving, some gleaned from conversations with people and others from increased sales in retail and restaurants. Most important, people seem to be more hopeful and positive. The major challenge is an educated work force ready to staff the high-paying companies that we want to recruit.
How long have you and Charlie been married, and how about the grandchildren?
Charlie and I have been married for 27 years. We are so fortunate to have found each other. Life can really bring you joy when you least expect it. Then, just when you have forgotten what fun it is to chase a shadow or dig for snails in the dirt, grandchildren come along to change all that. The world is magical again through their eyes and being part of their lives is the greatest happiness of all.