This February marked the opening event for a new group created by two local mothers hoping to create a community for single mothers.
Organized by Tracy Mitchell and Kristen Jamerson, the Single Mother’s Unite Valentine’s Dinner was held on February 17th at Scottsville Baptist Church.
“It was such a fun time,” Mitchell said. “I know how hard it is being a single mom. It’s nice to have that community of other single moms that are going through the same thing. We just want to be there for them in all aspects.”
The pair got the idea for the group while on a mission trip in Florida last March. While assisting in Hurricane Ian rebuilding efforts with Grace Church, the mothers witnessed their Single Parents Ministry at work and gathered what they could from the visit.
“We both knew it was on each of our hearts and we were both like, ‘Let’s see how we can make this work in Scottsville,’” Jamerson said. “There are all these ideas in our heads, so many ideas.”
The dinner was the first of many events for the group. Mitchell and Jamerson said they hope to host a large event like the dinner each quarter as well as smaller events throughout the year. Plans are already made for an exercise class in March and a financial planning course in April, based on a survey taken at the Valentine’s dinner. The church will also host a Mother’s Day brunch for the group in May.
“We’ve had so much support from businesses in the community,” Mitchell said. “It’s been overwhelming. The kind words have made all the difference for us.”
The church offers childcare for anyone attending the events to help remove obstacles that may stop an interested mother from being able to attend. They are also looking at facilitating resources for members looking for information on local food banks, diaper donations, clothing closets and Bible studies.
“Everyone is welcome,” Jamerson said. “It doesn’t matter if your kid is 18 or 1. It’s a community for each other.”
The group is open to ideas for future events as well as resources for members. For more information on Single Mom’s Unite, you can find them on Facebook or email at singlemomsunitesbc@gmail.com.
