Collaboration Results in Quality Camps for Kids with Funding Available for Essential Workers

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Single Mom Strong, a nonprofit created to meet the unique needs of local single mothers and their families, has partnered with SMUD, Point West Rotary and Soroptimist International of Sacramento to cover the costs associated with childcare during this transitional time for children of essential workers.

The cost of childcare is a significant strain on the family budget.  The problem multiplies when school is not in session and full-day programs are needed, and the extended school closures related to COVID-19 are making this an even greater challenge.   Single Mom Strong’s Summer, Winter and Spring Break Camps meet the needs of working parents when school closures create a challenge.

“Workers in essential services have had to find full time child care for over two months now, a period when their children would normally be in school.  Not only was the expense unplanned, but the options for care are extremely limited,” said Founder Tara Taylor. 

“Several organizations heard about our efforts and wanted to help, so with the support of SMUD, Point West Rotary Club and Soroptimist International of Sacramento, we have scholarships available for children of essential workers.  It’s our way of thanking them for their service,” added Taylor.

Essential workers are invited to register online for Single Mom Strong’s Summer Camp Kick-Off taking place June 1 to June 12.  Upon validation of employment, tuition will be covered by donations in appreciation of their service.

Initially founded on the premise of community, inspiration and education, Single Mom Strong has expanded its mission to address the lack of affordable, quality childcare in the region and opened The Empowerment Center, a licensed facility for preschool, non-school day care, transitional kindergarten, and value- and activity-based camps. Preschool and childcare programs are open to all children, but single parents are able to volunteer in the center and receive a tuition discount. 

“Our EmpowerME Summer Camps are designed to ensure children enjoy their school breaks, while continuing to learn and be active.  Our camps are packed with fun, engaging activities, aimed at reinforcing values like perseverance, compassion and responsibility, lessons that are so essential right now,” said Single Mom Strong’s Childcare Director Le Taunya Terrell. 

Since its inception in Sacramento less than four years ago, Single Mom Strong has served over 660 mothers and children in the greater-Sacramento area.  Scholarship applications and more information may be found at singlemomstrong.org.

Based on the premise that a single mother can simultaneously be a professional success and a great parent, and the belief that neither the single mother nor her children are limited in any way by this circumstance, Single Mom Strong is:

A community, meeting the need for belonging and love for single mothers and their children; A place of empowerment: for single mothers, through education and opportunity for balance; for their children through education and positive relationships; A means for betterment:  with their children in safe, quality child care, single mothers can better provide for their families and achieve personal goals.