Hope for Single Moms

Grand Rapids Giving Day 2024 was a meaningful step forward for our mission. It gave us valuable exposure within the community, allowing more people to learn about the work we do to empower single moms. It also opened doors for collaboration—through networking with other nonprofits, we discovered potential partnerships and gained insight into impactful community projects during the pitch competition. This experience not only broadened our reach but also deepened our connection to the local nonprofit ecosystem, strengthening our ability to serve single-mom families in West Michigan.

At Hope for Single Moms, our boldest dream is to create a full-circle support system that empowers single moms to thrive—not just survive. This vision starts with launching our Cleaning for Hope workforce training program, open to single moms across West Michigan. It continues by expanding our team so we can serve even more families with individualized support and mentorship. But our most game-changing idea? Developing housing for our student parents, complete with a mini daycare, study rooms, and a community kitchen. We imagine a co-op model where moms take turns babysitting, cooking shared meals, and attending life-skills classes in parenting, budgeting, and meal planning. This would be a vibrant, supportive village where moms are empowered to pursue education, build community, and raise their children in a stable, hope-filled environment.

For GRGD 2025, Hope for Single Moms is excited to launch our new workforce training and social enterprise program—Cleaning for Hope—and we’re using this event as our official fundraising kick-off! Our goal is to raise $5,000 on Giving Day, contributing to our year-end goal of $15,000 to fully fund the program's launch. Funds will support startup costs including equipment, curriculum development, trainer stipends, and **paid internships** for single moms. Cleaning for Hope will provide hands-on training in residential, commercial, and post-construction cleaning, equipping 20 moms in the first year with job-ready skills and a path to employment or entrepreneurship. As a revenue-generating social enterprise, Cleaning for Hope will also help fund our programs long-term—creating both sustainable income for single moms and for our mission.

“Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.” — Dalai Lama