26% of children in Sacramento County are being raised by single moms. Despite mothers' best efforts, statistics show that these children suffer in a variety of ways from educational deficiencies to having lower occupational status and income as adults, among other issues. Meanwhile, single mothers are plagued by feelings of guilt and inadequacy and often these families are living in poverty.
Single Mom Strong is a local nonprofit organization with a mission to empower single mothers and their children through enrichment, encouragement and educational programs. Our programs are based on the premise that a single mother can be a professional "success" and a great parent, and the belief that neither the single mother nor her children are limited by this circumstance.
At the core of SMS programs and services is community. As a community of single mothers and children, we provide weekly opportunities for community members to connect in a variety of ways. It takes a village to raise a child and for single mothers, Single Mom Strong is that village. Additionally, our workshop and coaching programs ensure single mothers are given the tools and encouragement needed to achieve their goals. Finally, our EmpowerME Preschool & Childcare programs were created to address the lack of affordable, quality childcare in the region. EmpowerME ensures high-quality early childhood education is accessible to all children, even those in single-income households, with tuition starting at just 70% of retail rates. And, our EmpowerME School-Age program is open every day elementary schools are closed to provide a safe, nurturing environment and an inexpensive solution for working single parents. With their children receiving quality care, mothers can focus on achieving education or career goals.
At Single Mom Strong, we recognize the incredible qualities single mothers possess. By removing barriers to their success, we ensure those qualities allow them to thrive, rather than survive.