Most of you know firsthand that parenting is tough, maybe the toughest job you’ve ever had. And being a single parent is even tougher as you’re faced with different challenges. When you’re at work, who is watching and caring for your child/children? How can you pay the rent, put food on the table and keep up with unexpected expenses with only one income?
Its easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re fighting an uphill battle on a daily basis.
S.M.I.L.E.S is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources for single mothers in need of assistance. Services offered include: Auto Repair, Home Repair, Child Care, Financial Assistance, Legal Services, Education Grants, Counseling, Consulting Services, Training Services and Employment Services.
Single Mother Statistics-
- 58% are divorced or separated
- 21% never married
- 20% are currently married
- 80% single mothers work
- 50% work full-time (this means there’s a need for daycare)
- 30% work part-time
- 27% of single mothers and their children live in poverty
- 22% receive Medicaid
- 24% receive food stamps
- 46% have two or more children living with them
- 39% are over 40 years old
The founders of S.M.I.L.E.S. , Del Miller and Jennifer Smith, were astounded by these statistics and founded the organization to help single mothers feel less alone and have access to much needed support. Their goal is to give single mothers some guidance to become more self-sufficient making them able to provide for and enjoy time with their children. S.M.I.L.E.S. is based in Los Angeles, California but assists single mothers throughout the United States and is looking to continue growing on a national level throughout 2012.
How can you help? S.M.I.L.E.S. is looking for and in need of volunteers, sponsors, endorsements, financial donations, business services etc. You can learn more about S.M.I.L.E.S. on Facebook.
Do you know a single mother that can use assistance? There’s a referral page on S.M.I.L.E.S. website. Are you a single mother that’s been helped by this or another organization? Please leave us a comment we’d love to read how you’ve been helped.
About Kristin
Thank you So much for posting :)