Dear Single Moms in Baton Rouge,
We are a little over a month into the new year, and reflecting on life seasons and growth is often helpful in motivating ourselves for what the year has to offer. I was a single mom for three years, and when I think back to my moments as a single mom, several words come to mind that describe me at that time: survivor, warrior, worrier, depleted, and lonely. I had the most wonderful gift in the world, my baby girl, but with the blessing came immense challenges.
At the time, I was the only single mother at the job that I worked, so my work ethic and performance had to rival those with much more resources, time, and emotional strength. When my daughter was sick, I had to figure out how to still be productive and keep my job, while caring for a baby who begged for my attention and needed her mommy. I ate dollar store food so I could give my daughter fresh food. I wore second-hand clothes so I could afford to get my daughter the things she needed. I allowed myself to cry alone in the closet at night so I could have the strength during the day to give my daughter the emotional support she needed.
But here’s the thing that I didn’t know: I didn’t have to be so lonely in my fight. There were people who wanted to be there to encourage, to straighten my crown, to lift my chin, and to show me how to fight for my family. For all the single moms in and near Baton Rouge, listen up – there’s hope!
The Life of a Single Mom is a Baton Rouge based organization whose mission is to see no single mom walk alone. And they do this by providing support and education to moms both locally and across the nation, focusing on 3 core areas: finances, parenting, and health & wellness.
How do they do this? With support groups, moms can join others who are experiencing similar struggles, all the while learning tools that aid in surviving day to day struggles. The support groups follow a faith-based curriculum that has been proven to strengthen single moms in their beliefs, values, and connections with like-minded moms.
But support groups are just the beginning – moms in and around Baton Rouge have many more opportunities to engage with this organization. Moms can join Single Mom University, The Life of a Single Mom’s online education platform, offering 200+ classes in numerous topics like life skills, financial management, home ownership, dating, co-parenting, and navigating parenting seasons, just to name a few. Click here to learn more about SMU.
Moms can also attend events, both virtually and in person. They also have an annual national conference, where moms can gather and grow together. In addition, The Life of a Single Mom offers case management, providing life roadmaps and support that will have a forever impact on both moms and their children alike.
The best way to overcome the loneliness of single motherhood is to surround yourself with positivity, make a life plan, and utilize resources that exist for the sole purpose of you succeeding and thriving. In Baton Rouge, we have an excellent organization at our fingertips. You are not alone, and you don’t have to walk this journey alone. You can do this!
