Heather Hopson wants to make life easier for single mothers in Allegheny County.
Through the Single Mom Defined parenting group, Hopson created a local women support system that includes a babysitting cooperative, food delivery service, and other community resources.
Single Mom Defined was created from Hopson’s photo essay and the 2018 video series art installation featuring more than 100 black mothers with their children. It was her way of conveying the real story behind the images and countering the negative stereotypes.
Before the Covid crisis, the group’s private Facebook page had 600 members; There are now more than 1,700 women of all ages, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds.
“We are mothers who not only have to take care of our children, but also of ourselves,” says the founder of Motor Mouth Multimedia. “All mothers deserve a night free from cooking. All mothers deserve paid family and sick leave should they fall ill during these turbulent times. And all mothers need a village: to jointly vent, support, encourage and control this pandemic. “
Roughly 77 percent of Pittsburgh’s impoverished households are run by single mothers. After analyzing the qualitative study of single mothers in Allegheny County, single mothers interviewed surveyed members asking what they need to be successful and successful.
Many mothers expressed a desire for opportunities to connect with other mothers, resources, and advocacy opportunities. However, obstacles such as lack of childcare, transportation and / or money prevented this.
Among these members, a nationwide babysitting cooperative based in Beltzhoover, Clairton, East End and Homewood was formed to meet these needs. Single Mom Defined also supports co-op members by providing strategy and training through the local nonprofit Trying Together. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all activities are virtual.
Last month, Hopson hosted a weekly virtual dinner party for single mothers with Naomi Ritter from the EAT Initiative and 412 Food Rescue.
With the support of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the first Moms Night Off event took place on November 19th. Led by the Food Rescue Hero app, a small army of volunteers delivered three-course family-style meals, as well as healing face masks and sugar scrubs to approximately 120 members of the parent group.
“Being a single mother during the pandemic took stress to new levels,” says member Leah Walker. “If I don’t have to worry about Saturday night meals, I not only have time for self-sufficiency, but also for family home evening. We appreciate Single Mom Defined for getting it. “
Last Saturday, the mothers received the “Self-Care Check-In,” a kept diary written by Pittsburgh-born GG Renee Hill. Mothers signed up for a writing workshop moderated by the author at the virtual dinner party. They learned to record their personal stories and advocate for their family’s needs, such as the national paid vacation for all campaign.
In December, mothers also participate in yoga sessions led by Alecia Young Yoga Motif and Yvette Shipman from MOTEASA.
Photo Defined Courtesy of Single Mom.
“When you run in 1,000 directions and give yourself, a meal not only nourishes our body but our soul as well,” says member Tori Snyder.
“The kindness and support are generously given by Single Mom Defined, and meals are more than just a meal. It’s an opportunity to relax and enjoy our kids. “
On December 26th, mothers will receive bath and body products, essential oils and children’s toys donated by IKEA Pittsburgh.
Hopson is working to raise funds to continue the Moms Night Out events in 2021. She is now recruiting volunteers. Want to help? Send an email to 412 Food Rescue saying you want to support the single mother initiative. Donations can be made online.
Tifanee-Rae Young is a member of the self-help group and a volunteer driver. “The weekends are a time to relax, but I want to show other mothers that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed,” she says. “Delivering the meals and seeing smiles on everyone’s face makes it all worthwhile.”
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