It Takes a Village: The Importance of Community for Single Mothers
A Vision for a Better World
Imagine a society centred around families; one where the success of a country was measured not by their GDP (Gross Domestic Product), but by the happiness and health of the children living there.
Rather than facing stigma and systemic barriers, single moms would experience compassion and support. Every child would be raised in communities where their basic needs are met, and they feel loved and encouraged.
Fourteen years ago, this seemingly far-fetched vision drove the founding of Mom2Mom. After working as a developmental pediatrician in Vancouver Eastside elementary schools, Dr. Barbara Fitzgerald saw the negative impact of isolation and poverty on the moms and children she served.
She knew that what children really needed to succeed was a stable parent with a well-connected support system. Moved by Dr. Fitzgerald’s work, Dr. Joanne Roussy reached out to help, and was connected to Tracy—a single mom living in the Downtown Eastside. This was the beginning of Mom2Mom.
Meet Tracy: Mom2Mom’s First Participant Mom
“My life has definitely been full of hardship, ever since I was a kid,” Tracy explains, “I started drinking at twelve, and ran away from home at fourteen. Six days before my sixteenth birthday, I gave birth to my first baby—he was stillborn.”
Losing a baby in such a horrific way at such a young age—compounded with childhood trauma—sent Tracy into a deep depression; she began self-medicating with alcohol to cope.
Several years later, after successfully completing treatment for alcoholism and regaining custody of her children, Tracy’s life had hit a turning point.
“I was going through a lot of overlapping struggles that felt near impossible, and I didn’t have anyone to help.” ”
That’s when she met Dr. Roussy.
By utilizing her extensive network of other local moms, Dr. Roussy was able to support Tracy with practical needs such as proper furniture for the small apartment she was raising five children in, a fridge full of groceries, and children’s clothing.
“I remember thinking this is just common sense. This is moms helping moms.”
- Dr. Joanne Roussy
What Dr. Roussy touches on is a universal truth: where systems fail, women step up. Pooling resources to support a fellow mom is a no-brainer.
For Tracy, Dr. Roussy and Mom2Mom’s support was life changing: “To know that there’s strangers out there that care about you and want to hear your story and go above and beyond to help you is everything. There are times [Dr. Roussy] even went into tears hearing my story, and you wouldn’t think that someone would just care about you that much. She went above and beyond.”
The positive impact of Mom2Mom is clear: when single mothers have access to resources that support basic needs, including emotional resilience, the devastating impact of poverty is mitigated for both moms and their children.
Today, thanks to the support and community of Mom2Mom, Tracy says she is exactly where she wants to be. “I’m a grandma now and have two grandsons that keep me busy. I also have a great career, and even recently completed my Construction Safety Officer training,” she says with a smile.
“I can’t express how much the program actually helped support and guide me…Mom2Mom made life a lot easier and made me see a clear vision of actually being successful.”
The Power of Connection
Tracy’s story is inspiring not only because of her individual strength and accomplishments, but also because it reveals the possibilities that a thriving community offers. The more support someone has, the greater their potential grows.
More than that, it’s a testament to the healing power of connection. Of a friend who sees you, holds space, and reminds you of the immense value you offer to the world.
“Women and mothers have known for centuries what brings healing—connection. It’s love that matters the most.”
- Dr. Joanne Roussy
Mom2Mom’s unique program models what could be: communities filled with mutually beneficial relationships and intricate networks of support. An equitable society where no mother or child is limited by poverty.
"A lot of single moms feel alone, and a lot of single moms are scared to reach out because of the judgement, because of the fear of having the ministry called on them. To have people that support you and to not feel alone is huge." - Tracy
If this vision resonates with you, please help us support other moms like Tracy by donating to our programs, volunteering, and/or spreading the word (like sharing this post!).
Learn more here —> Get Involved
Written by Samantha Schumacher