Nonprofit Removes Systematic Barriers, Serves Single Mothers, Children in Baltimore

According to the United States Census Bureau, there were an estimated 10.9 million one-parent family groups with a child under the age of 18 in 2022. 

“Data from the annual release of America’s Families and Living Arrangements also show that 80% of one-parent family groups were maintained by a mother,” per information provided by an annual release.

Given the large number of single mothers, the ability to access more resources that foster financial and career growth could benefit legions of female-headed households.

Brittney Strickland, a Baltimore, Maryland resident, is an example of how much a driven single mother can accomplish with support, structure and removal of common barriers.

She discovered a resource called the Jeremiah Program (JP) after picking up a flyer at the public library while homeschooling her children in the fall of 2022.

“I’ve benefited from the program in many ways that have positively impacted my life,” said Strickland. “I took care of my children and JP came along and took care of me and gave me a huge helping hand which in turn gives my family access to a better-quality life.”

 The national organization uplifts single mothers and their children experiencing poverty in Baltimore and in nine U.S. cities. 

A 12-week coaching opportunity helped Strickland to believe that going back to school as a single mom was not a far-fetched idea. 

“Becoming a single mom really takes a toll on your confidence and identity. Those 12 weeks really helped me to rediscover myself as we talked about shame and struggle to focus on our strengths and dreams as well as the goal plan to achieve the dreams,” the mother of three said. “I graduate from Morgan State University this May.”

Strickland, who had to prioritize taking care of an autistic child, said that she received an Early Childhood Education grant with the assistance of the Jeremiah Program.  The grant paid for her college tuition, upon returning to college. Other resources that she received included a laptop; childcare funds to pay sitters as needed; tutoring services for one of her children; coaching and other services. 

Strickland’s entrepreneurial interests have also been supported through the Jeremiah Program. She mentioned that she attended the Jeremiah Program Summit this past March. After participating in a Spark Tank competition, she won third place. The pitch competition is designed to elevate JP moms and alumni by driving funding to their existing business ventures or new business ideas. Strickland was shocked and received a prize of $2,500. Her business, Celebrating Milestones, is in the concept stage along with the prototype of the products.  

 “Celebrating Milestones aims to support families of those with developmental delays by providing educational tools, a curriculum that appeals to the neurodivergent brain and other resources to help reduce achievement and opportunity gaps,” said Strickland.

Chastity Lord, president and CEO of Jeremiah Program, further explained how the organization works to level the playing field for single mothers and their small children.

“We feel that everybody wins when moms win. And, specifically to level the playing field is to really invest in the person who … has the most impact on a child’s life,” Lord said. “A “JP mom” is with us for four to six years, so it’s a long-term relationship. In addition to that, we have a really robust alumni program where we bring alumni back every year to be in community with each other.”

Lord stated that every “JP mom” has a goal of earning a college degree and has at least one child under the age of seven. She stated one of the reasons the organization works with mothers who are raising small children is because they oftentimes do not have a stable social safety net. 

“When you think about childcare, when you think about after-school care and you think about the immediate need for an adult to be present… and so it allows us to really curate resources and supplemental services around that particular hardest time in a child’s life,” said Lord.

Many of JP’s mothers were once in college. Due to pregnancy, they stopped but wanted to return. JP works with participating mothers from career navigation and goal setting to applying to college. Participants must be interested in pursuing a college degree. Providing service to Baltimoreans began a year ago.

“Opportunity is not everywhere and I’m so grateful to be a part of this program that really helped to redirect my life,” said Strickland, reflecting on the hand-up provided by JP.

Single mothers can learn more about the Jeremiah Program via https://jeremiahprogram.org/for-moms/become-a-jp-mom/ and register through the link. A new cohort will reportedly start in June.