MOMSHOPE


Who Are We

MomsHope is a faith-based mentoring initiative that pairs single Christian mothers in poverty with caring women in order to support resource advancement, spiritual growth, and family stability.

What We Do

  • Build a positive network of support through one-on-one mentoring
  • Focus on goal-directed resource development
  • Establish partnerships with local churches
  • Equip volunteers and participants for long-term success
  • Continue to research and apply best-practice mentoring approaches

The Need

  • 23.5% of Cincinnati residents live in poverty
  • 70% of people living in poverty are part of a Single-Female Head of household
  • Many full-time working mothers are still living in poverty
(Source: U.S. Census, 2007)
(Source: Social Areas of Cincinnati. UC Department of Planning, 2004)

The Impact

Through a focused effort on resource and skill development and an increased network of support, MomsHope provides life-on-life support to multiple local single moms, facilitating economic stability and resource advancement for their families as well as a renewed sense of hope!

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 enthusiastic resource 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 team for support and problem-solving

Time Commitment

Mentors meet personally with single mom 2x/month and connect via phone/e-mail weekly, and also participate in mentor support group. Total time: About 6 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: Culture of poverty, resource development, and healthy mentoring.

Support

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


Please contact Janet Lapps at Janet.L@onecity.org for more information about the program,