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Tornadoes are a Way of Life for Single Mothers

by Karen Mecham

The first "Tornado" often strikes as violence, and just as a woman is reeling from the shock, divorce hits. She often loses her home and certainly her income will plummet by at least one third. Next, are the stormy court proceedings, lasting an average of twelve months. Meanwhile, the single mom struggles on through daily "tornadoes." She has to find housing, employment, childcare, and health care. If she doesn't have adequate job skills, it's tough to make sufficient income. The whirlwind of bills can overcome her. A sick child who can't go to daycare is another "tornado." So is the child's father who doesn't pay child support. "Tornado" season may last for years with no hope of fair weather. However, a break in the storm is coming.

The First Annual Single Mothers conference brought a ray of H.O.P.E. to single moms earlier this month. The conference's theme was "Now there is H.O.P.E." More than 40 seminar leaders assisted single moms in building a "Tornado Preparedness Plan." Topics included everything from home maintenance to legal issues. The moms also took home a bag of "emergency supplies" including personal hygiene products, school supplies for the children, and inspirational music to bind up the "wounds of the soul."

This conference was sponsored by the Greenbacks Bringing Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping single mothers become more self-reliant. The foundation also provides a mentor program which helps women draw up a plan, identify steps to reach their goals, and better identify and utilize resources available to them.

For more information, please email Karen Mecham, executive director, at kmecham@greenbacks.com.