b'and that social support is a contribu-tor to well-being. Each mom needs emotional support that communicatesSingle Mother Statisticsshe is esteemed and accepted, valued for her own worth and experiencesThe numbers speak for themselvesdespite difficulties or personal faults. She also needs a sense of belonging by spending time with others in unstruc- 10.89 million tured environments.single parent11.2% 25%At Not Alone, once weve ensured a mom feels seen, we then want herfamilies in to feel loved. Community is ourthe UnitedNeverAchievedgreatest focus, and she is invited toStates completeda college join a small group of women whohigh school degreehave had similar journeys and expe-riences. Ideally, some of the women in the group are in stronger, more79.9%31.3% 20.8%stable positions and can say, Ive been where you are, it gets better, and were going to walk with you.Headed Living inJobless the You are not alone. These groupsby singlepoverty entire yearbecome a place of connection and amotherssource of encouragement. Although physical meetings may be just a cou-ple of times a month, most of the24.3% 45.4% 9.2%women engage digitally more often. These groups are not typically led by professional counselors. They areFood ReceivedNo health led by people who care and sometimesinsecure supplementalinsuranceeven by single moms themselves. Theynutrition are not designed to be structured ther- assistanceapy sessions. Rather, they are a source of encouragement and community. They typically involve a meal, and51.4% 29.3% 19.2%nearly always have trauma-informed childcare and some type of spiritual component. Often, the women sched- NeverDivorced Separatedule additional activities with eachmarried or widowedother and their kids outside of regularSource: the U.S. Census Bureau, as presented by www.singlemotherguide.comgroup meetings. \x02 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG 45'