In Cobb County, it is increasingly difficult for single parents to maintain financial stability due to limited resources and the rising cost of living. This difficulty is increased tenfold if they have experienced any kind of domestic trauma. Stability can be fleeting when unplanned expenses create a domino effect of consequences to a single parent household. Job loss and homelessness are a constant threat without a second income and support of a spouse. While there are programs out there that target a variety of underserved communities, there aren’t many aimed at assisting single parents experiencing financial setbacks.
As a single mother raising a daughter, Patsy Bryant had a support system. But she knew firsthand the vulnerability of being faced with unplanned expenses before payday. She also knew how important it was to have hope that things would get better. With her daughter grown and her retirement from her job at the City of Marietta, she knew she still had more to do. She wanted to create hope for other single parents. She gathered 9 other dynamic community leaders to build something new. Together they made plans to offer help, and they became the 10 Women of Hope. They actively collaborate with their community partners in the school system and court system to receive referrals for assistance. Applicants cannot apply directly to the organization or its individual members. Referrals that are received from partners go through a group approval process before they can be fulfilled.
A referral was received for “Marie,” an employed single mother with 4 children. Doctors recently discovered a mass and recommended she undergo further testing. She found herself in the hospital for 3 weeks following 3 separate surgeries. Due to her hospitalization, she fell behind on her rent. The 10 Women of Hope (10WoH) paid for the arrears on her rent and brought her current, keeping her in her home. This is but one story of needs that have been met by the 10WoH.
This all-volunteer led group has been busy raising financial support through two modestly sized events each year and through targeted efforts with local corporations. 10WoH member Fran Sutton said, “We have been together as a group for 15 years. We learned about the Cobb Community Foundation and their good works in the last couple of years. But what made us decide to create a fund now is that we have been thinking strategically for the future of 10WoH. We decided to take steps to ensure that our funds were being managed as effectively as possible to make the greatest impact. The tools that Cobb Community Foundation provides will do that.
”The gifts provided through 10WoH are meaningful, and they have a lasting impact. A former recipient of a gift says, “You helped me many years ago when I was at a very low point in my life. My 38-year old husband had a fatal heart attack and I was a single mom trying to raise 3 children. You blessed me then, and I have recently been blessed with a small inheritance. I am paying it forward and hope this helps you bless others.”
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