Throughout history, women credit motherhood as one of the most rewarding roles they play in life. However, it can also produce challenges for moms who, by circumstance or choice, are raising children solo.
According to the Child Welfare League of America, nearly 32% of children live in single parent homes. Though Daviess County numbers are slightly better at 25%, research suggests these children have increased risk for poor self-image, comprehension difficulties, emotional disruptions, behavioral challenges, educational setbacks and more.
Some might assume, regardless of the quality of the parent in the home, the child/children are destined to fail, but that simply isn’t true.
Churches and organizations across Owensboro disagree with the idea that mothers and their children are defined by statistics or are destined to become one, especially if the Together Strong (TS) ministry has anything to say about it.
TS formed from a concerned group at Macedonia Baptist Church seeing the need for outreach and support for single mom families. This group hopes to help by sharing a hope with an eternal impact on the lives of mothers and children open to the message of a God who cares, sharing time with others experiencing the same plight and coping with the demands while keeping your sanity and a smile.
Local mother, “Kimberly” asked not to be fully identified, but shared her story with Owensboro Parent. Kimberly didn’t enter into parenthood alone; she was married but now finds herself a divorced, single mother. Trying to find the balance of mothering in what Kimberly feels is a “couple’s world” is exhausting, lonely and self-sacrificing so that the child’s needs can be met.
In an ironic transverse, Kimberly initially joined Together Strong to minister to single moms. She didn’t imagine that in a matter of months she would be the one needing the group’s support.
This group of women, including Kimberly, transformed what began as a heartfelt burden into an opportunity to help single moms find their place in the Lord. Their ultimate goal to help their children find a peaceful place, a place that leads them away from being another single parent statistic.
Together Strong researched Arise Ministries and saw that God had a plan for them to help mothers lighten the load of being a single mother by offering a two-day conference designed with their specific needs in mind.
With determination, this committee secured Arise Ministries co-founder Pam Kanaly along with Shelley Pulliam who will both provide these mothers with insight and words of encouragement for this conference, which will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church.
Single Mothers’ Survive ‘N’ Thrive Conference
6:30 p.m., Friday, September 28 and continue
Saturday, September 29 until 1 p.m.
The conference includes:
Door prizes
Decadent desert reception
Catered lunch
Special gift
Child care for kids up to 5th grade
For just $10, Mom can attend with her children and have a day devoted to her growing spiritually; so that she may help her children beat the statistical odds.
Scholarships are available thanks to local business owners and individuals, who also see the importance of getting of this event. Through the kindness of others, the barrier of cost has been removed.
Kimberly is already registered. She would not have chosen this path of motherhood, but is thankful that single moms will have a weekend for soul-searching and growing closer to God. She’s looking forward to connecting with moms dealing with similar life circumstances.
Kimberly says, “We (single parents) feel that we are the only ones hurting and this is an opportunity to share struggles with others who understand.” That’s just one of many reasons Together Strong answered the call to provide this event.
From the conference, Kimberly hopes to have a deeper connection/walk with the Lord and will take time to reflect on what God has planned for her and her son.
Together Strong anticipates that moms will walk away with a renewed spirit of surviving and thriving that positively impacts their children and future generations to come.
The time to register is NOW! If you are a single mom, don’t miss this opportunity. Registration deadline is September 21.
You can register online at
www.togetherstrong.org or at the following locations: Yellow Creek Baptist Church, Heritage Baptist Church, Owensboro Christian, Bellevue Baptist Church, Walnut Memorial Baptist Church, and MentorKids Kentucky or by calling (270) 313-7645.
To send donations:
Together Strong
C/O Macedonia Baptist Church
4839 Millers Mill Rd
Owensboro,KY 42303