Traverse City Record-Eagle

Life

Related Photos

December 21, 2009

Group gives single moms a hand

By Carol South

TRAVERSE CITY -- A piece of the puzzle, a bridge over gaps.

A non-denominational ministry serving the Grand Traverse region focuses on single moms with a goal of strengthening families. Serving widowed, divorced and never married moms and their children, the Single Mom Ministry offers prayer, support, one-on-one discipleship, information and links to resources.

The relationship-based ministry -- officially known as Northern Michigan Single Mom Christian Services -- uses activities to build connections and forge mutual support. Participating moms range in age from young 20s to a single grandmother raising her grandchildren.

"All our activities are strengthening, family activities," said Jennifer Finnegan, executive director of the organization. "Our hope comes from our relationship in Christ, though not all women here are Christians, they don't have to be."

"There's no waiting list, we talk to everybody," she said, noting she receives e-mails from all over the nation.

Recent events for moms have included shopping, movie nights, meeting for coffee, visiting area churches and monthly dinners. Prior information-based meetings covered topics such as car care or self defense.

Some ministry activities include both moms and kids, such as Friday evening's pajama movie night party at the New Hope Community Church. A number of area churches have generously supported Single Mom Ministry, including offering with free meeting space. Meetings have been held at various sites around town, a reflection of the ministry's broad support.

"We rely on community donations -- there's been such a wonderful community response," Finnegan said. "In this ministry, you never have to sell the need."

Walking the walk

A single mom herself, Finnegan knows money can be a huge barrier to participating in events. She ensures that monthly ministry programs are free or affordable and that any family gathering or outing offers free childcare.

Presenting fun, social times is also key for these moms and their children, who can fall through the cracks of society's coupled-up or single lifestyles. Moms facing similar situations and challenges can provide support and understanding as well as needed friendships.

"A lot of my friends that don't have kids they might not get it," said Erika, single mother of a 9-year-old son who has been attending the group about four months.

Established as an online resource for single moms by Lynn Moody in 2005, Finnegan took the reins as executive director 18 months ago. She will work in the organization's Traverse City office full time beginning next month.

Also in January, Single Mom Ministry will officially launch a mentoring program called "Amma," named for the Asian-Indian word for mother. The goal is to tap the experience and wisdom of 'veteran' moms to help single moms through challenges large and small.

"They'll be doing life together and doing life well," Finnegan said .

For more information on the Single Mom Ministry, call executive director Jennifer Finnegan at 649-3799 or see www.singlemomm.org. The ministry's next program will be a career building event on Jan. 23 that includes information on finances, budgeting, professional dressing and career success.

Text Only