By Nila Harris
Fairlane Baptist Church, located at 12898 Herringer Road Alexandria, is just south of Grants Lick off Highway 27. Church member Jill Adams Wright explained a new ministry which is taking place, free to any single mother who could benefit from information about parenting and finances and have a place to heal. A free meal and free childcare are provided by people who have been fully vetted and are eager to serve.
Wright, who has worked in the medical field for over 30 years, is used to stepping in and stepping up. She told how this was “heavy on my heart” to help single mothers, after a single mom friend was talking to her one day. “I thought, wow, you have to do it all,” remembered Wright. She thought of her personal experience raising four children with her husband of 32 years. “Tag, you’re it. You’ve gotta take over for a while,” one spouse would say to the other. Wright realized that her friend did not have that luxury.
Wright talked this over with her daughter-in-law, Emily Wright. The two Wrights discussed what a single mom ministry might look like. Emily, a social worker who works with women who have been abused, knew some things that might be beneficial to a woman who was hurting. Jill was at a loss at where to begin, however. Through much prayer and the wise counsel from a church deacon, Jill started searching for a program to implement. What she found was Single Mom University powered by Jennifer Maggio’s Life of a Single Mom. Jill discovered a how-to guide for facilitators, and a variety of topics such as Helping Your Children Thrive, The Daddy Gap, and Instant Stress Relief for Moms on the Move.
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 16th at Fairlane from 6-7:30 p.m. February will bring two meetings, one on a Tuesday night and one on a Saturday morning. Participants will be able to access Single Mom University at home for additional resources. “We’re here to help you heal, help you with your finances, help with parenting, and childcare,” explained Jill. She appreciates how her church has “fully supported” this ministry. She is also joyful about the women who have taken part so far and looks forward to working with many others. For additional information, see Single Mom Ministry Facebook page, singlemomuniversity.com, or email Jill at jwright@fuse.net.