MOMSHOPE

Our Mission

MomsHope helps single moms in poverty mange the complex issues they face such as quality housing, nutrition, medical care and education for their children.

Who We Are

  • A new, faith-based mentoring initiative of OneCity for single moms in the Cincinnati area
  • OneCity:
    • Builds city-wide collaborative initiatives based on best-in-class research
    • Mobilizes, empowers volunteers and mentors towards positive life-change

What We Do

  • We build a positive network of support through one-on-one mentoring
  • We focus on short-term goals and long-term resource development
  • We evaluate systems and resources, track progress, and improve programming
  • We establish referral partners with local churches for pairing
  • We equip volunteers and participants for long-term success
  • We continue to research and apply best-practice mentoring approaches

The Need

  • 31% of Ohio families with single female household live at or below Federal rate of poverty*
  • 26.4% of families, nationwide, are lead by single parents**

*   Source: US Census 2006: American Community Survey
** Source: Living Arrangements for Children: 2004

The Impact

Through a focused effort on resource and skill development, and an increased network of support, MomsHope works hand-in-hand with single moms to facilitate comprehensive long-term stability and advancement.

How It Works

Who Can Mentor?

Mentors are mature Christian women with life experience who are eager to listen and guide single mothers towards personal advancement. Previous volunteer or ministry experience is preferred, but not mandatory.

Role Description

A MomsHope mentor is a positive role model, problem-solver and reference point for single moms in the areas of family, work, personal and spiritual life.

Responsibilities

  • Develop a positive relationship with a single mom
  • Pray for and encourage a single mom towards personal advancement
  • Help set personal goals, work toward goal fulfillment and track progress
  • Participate in mentor small group for support

Time Commitment

Mentors meet personally with single mom two times/month and connect via phone/e-mail weekly. Mentors also participate in mentor support group. Total time: About 6-8 hours/month.

Pairing

Mentors are paired based on age, life-stage, and personal interests. Mentors will be paired after the initial mentor training.

Training

MomsHope training includes topics covering: cultural background, resource development, and healthy mentoring.

Support

Each mentor is placed in a small group with other mentors for additional support. Mentors will meet with their small group bi-monthly. Each mentor will receive a resource binder with local service provider information for goal-setting.

 

How to Get Started

1. E-mail at momshope@onecity.org
1. Fill out an application. Click here to download the application now.
2. Attend a training (TBD)
3. Meet your mentee and begin!

 

Please contact Janet Lapps at Janet.l@onecity.org or 513-579-0555 for more information about the program and upcoming training dates.