Check Out Andrea Lopes’s Story

Hi Andrea, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today? 
Life is a game of logic, strategy and each move unlocks another level or challenge. It took a while, many lessons, and my share of mistakes to finally understand how the game really works. While I haven’t been very successful in areas like love and relationships, I have mastered personal growth, financial stability and parenting. I found that to be my most important job as I raised 4 children without the presence of their fathers.

I came to South Florida in 1986, at 18, with a 3-year-old daughter. My absent father lived here with his then separated family. He owned a local business called Do All Appliance Repair. While he had money, he was under the belief that everyone must make their own way, and struggle like he had. He didn’t feel obligated to help me find the stability I lacked as a child. Even though I was put out of the house at night in the rain with a baby and a garbage bag full of clothes. 

I came here without a high school diploma. I was obviously too busy raising a baby at 15 to worry about school. However, school was a number one priority in my house with my children. Several years later, I escaped an abusive marriage and went back to school. Embarked on a teaching career. Unfortunately, not the best career monetarily but I was able to be a present parent. My 3 daughters (Novella, Monique, and Mercedes) all have master’s degrees, and my 19-year-old son has his high school diploma. He may not take the college path, but he will find his place in the game of life.

Things really changed for us when my eldest came home from college. I just gave birth to my son. She and her younger sister stood in line overnight for the City of Tamarac’s first-time homebuyer’s grant. After that, all 3 bought their very first home/condo. Seven years later, I bought my 1st home without any assistance. Trust me, buying these homes changed our lives forever!

While I was a single parent, I didn’t do it all on my own. God was always there to carry me. My daughters learned from my struggle. This is only a snapshot of my story. Life in NY was not a bed of roses. Notice no mention of family other than an absent dad. Sometimes I feel Rootless. No childhood memories, no childhood friends, too many schools to remember, but still so blessed to live the life I live today. 

I made sure to keep my family tight knit, supportive and positive toward each other. I am a proud mother. My daughters are cornerstones, impacting the lives of others every day! Now my story is about the wonderful life of being a grandmother “Nana!” I have 2 girls (Emma and Nya) so far and a new one (Luna) coming in June! The best job yet! I am loving it!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way? 
Nothing about it was smooth. As a child, I was in foster care, group homes, and abandoned by various family members. Sometimes it’s being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Bad choices in mates, I had to escape into a battered women’s shelter with my girls. I have been homeless as a child and as a parent. That alone can put you in a peculiar space.  It’s hard to break the cycle of poverty, homelessness, and relationship drama, but I am proof that it can be done. 

However, I must mention the heroes in the world who step up and step out to help others any way they can. I had a boyfriend, who’s mom was supportive. She helped me get emancipated so I could take care of myself and my child. A teacher, in a vocational school in NY, put my baby girl in a comfortable drawer so I could continue classes. Aunts, that took me on the weekends showed me how life can look from another point of view (a better point of view). Here in So. Florida, I have a teacher in Miami (DA Dorsey) who helped me prepare for the GED. I passed it after one month in her class. Angels, God sends your way to help you do the work that needs to be done.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do? 
Education: I have the ability to learn and teach anything. I’m a 24+ year educator with multiple certifications and endorsements: ESE K-12, Prek-3rd Grade, Birth- age 3, Autism, Reading, ESOL
Love and understand everything Autism! I love serving that population!

Doula certified: My 1st grandbaby, Emma, was born in 2022. The only way to be in labor and delivery was to be a doula. I love children and development milestones. 

Real Estate Licensed in Florida Interested in Real estate investing. Property of any kind is intriguing to me. I love helping people find the first or forever home. 

I have a ton of information on everything from raising children, supporting children on the spectrum, 1st time homebuyers, credit repair, and labor and delivery!
I am very talented when it comes to helping others. We “my daughter and I” have a non-profit but still don’t know how to make it flourish. It is really time consuming. I get calls from people wanting help but it’s hard to get funds, to keep the website updated, etc. South Florida Community Outreach, INC.

Even with all the ups and downs, I have managed to raise the best children anyone can ask for. They give to others, share knowledge, and are extremely productive members of society. My son recently started a seasonal position. When I go in the store, all I hear is compliment after compliment “You did such a good job!” He’s a great employee.”, and frankly I’m used to it. Of course, he will remain after the holiday season. They do make me proud to be their mom!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out? 
Your children are a product of you! Give them all you got, and I promise you will not regret it. They are watching everything you do, say and eat! It is our responsibility to change the past by doing the best with what we have. For example, as a family we reflect on what needs to change, like eating habits. I never ate nor cooked vegetables. This is something we can and need to change. While it might seem minor, it can lead to longevity vs. Diabetes. Remember that saying “you are what you eat”, well if you don’t eat veggies, you are not eating healthy. Another example, Renting! I rented more than half my life but, if my daughters rented, it was by choice. We play Monopoly in real life. I currently rent my daughter’s second home. I might as well help her pay her mortgage, then give money away to a stranger’s mortgage. 
Stability was an issue for me growing up, I remember being evicted a lot as a child. We don’t have this issue now and our new generation will grow up with way more resources than I started out with. I’m pretty sure my son will own the home he moves into. 

My motto: Everything in moderation! Too much of anything isn’t good for you.