Helping Hands for Single Moms Dallas

As published in The Texas Observer single-parent families in Texas face extra challenges. Our state has one of the worst child poverty rates in the United States, with nearly one in four children living below the poverty line. And 42 percent of Texas families living in poverty are single-mother households.

Our program's impact on the single mom college student family is significant. These families are under exponential stress as mom attends college, works, and raises her children. The pressures of limited income are exacerbated by a lack of time. This vulnerable population is often exiting difficult situations with many seeing the pursuit of a college education as a pathway to success. 

Unfortunately, according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, only 8% of single mothers who start college earn an associate or bachelor's degree within six years. Thankfully, through the strategic design of our program and the incredible effort of our single mom college students, near 80% graduate college!

Helping Hands for Single Moms Dallas provides supportive services to single mom college student families including:

- monthly financial stipend
- complimentary auto repair
- AAA roadside assistance
- dental care
- tax preparation assistance
- emergency support
- holiday gifts
- family outings
- life skills training
- Single Mom College Community

Single Mom College Community focuses on building resilience through personal and professional development as clients learn practical life skills such as money management, resume writing, job interview preparation, proper attire, and other competencies. Single moms often feel alone so time with peers, mentoring, and encouragement are vital toward their success. Meetings occur on a regular basis over a shared meal with subject matter experts presenting.

Our community impact is extraordinary. Research shows that a child, where one parent has graduated college, is 70% more likely to graduate college and 80% less likely to live in poverty. A study by the non-profit "College Success Arizona" found that each college graduate contributes an average of $600,000 into the economy over their lifetime (in taxes paid, increased earnings, and reduced social services).

Graduates from the Helping Hands for Single Moms Dallas program will have a similar positive impact on their communities as they move their families off government assistance and become gainfully employed in their vocation. These women will purchase homes and cars while providing important community services as nurses, educators, social workers, and more.

Though relatively new to Dallas, our success goes back 20 years in Phoenix, Arizona, where our Dallas volunteer Executive Director served on the board for 10 years including Board President.

Our Needs

Your donation allows us to increase the number of single mom families we support while expanding the number of communities we serve. A successful North Texas Giving Day annual campaign enables us to assist single mothers in attaining a college education which increases their skills and earnings capacity. This results in sustainable independence upon graduation as they secure livable wage jobs furthering their family financial stability ultimately leading to community sustainability.