Single Parent Spotlight:
Jennifer Partida

Jennifer Partida is an inspiring example of a strong and determined woman who has turned her family’s life around with the support and community resources in SCV like those provided by Single Mothers Outreach (SMO).  At one time she felt riddled with doubt and fear about her situation in life but her current outlook shows a new sense of control, serenity and gratefulness.  After escaping an abusive relationship and finding herself and her kids homeless with nothing but the clothes on their backs, she learned that the community could provide temporary respite from their chaos and drama while teaching her that she could survive and eventually thrive.  When you have no home, no car and no job or income to count on, life can descend into hopelessness. Read more…

DaAnne’s Musings

We have been busily planning several events thanks to a magnificent Events Committee that Board Director Lindsay Schlick  assembled. Taylor Ellingsworth  and Martha Aguilera are planning a spectacular event to honor our extraordinary mothers at the 2015 Make a Mother’s Day. We will spoil 50 moms with flowers, food, goodies, and honor them for their daily sacrifices for their children. Sheril Porter stepped up to chair the 6th Annual Empowering HeArts Gala and Art Exhibit, which will be held at Savia Community Partner Center this year since we outgrew our space last year! Wendy Whitehead is preparing a very special Girl’s Night Out fundraiser on June 5th.

I’m excited about SMO’s future. So many talented people are sharing their gifts to help us ease the single parent’s burden…so they can be the best parent and role model for their children. Priceless.

DaAnne Smith is the Executive Director of Single Mothers Outreach.

What’s New at Closet On Main

By Laurie Tucci Auger

As the owner of Via Tucci and a volunteer at The Closet, it occurred to me this week – THIS IS AN AMAZING PLACE TO SPEND SOME TIME! In just a one-week snapshot of life at the shop, there were numerous examples of women helping women.

Imagine this; one day Raquel stops by to donate back a gown she wore while being recognized for providing young girls in Kenya with a safe home and an education. Another day, Lisa spends time shopping for “professional chic” clothing because she has found a way to turn her grief and loss into sending a positive message of compassion and encouragement to nurses and healthcare providers. You almost miss it, but Carolyn from Capitol Office Products runs in to donate ink cartridges to reduce the expenses for Single Mothers Outreach. Meanwhile, Martina, a single mother who struggles each day to provide for her children, stops by to drop off a small bag of clothing her children have outgrown – offering up whatever she can to help another family.

Wrapping up the week at this great place is the Soroptomist of Greater Santa Clarita luncheon where a large group of women have come together to honor and support some very deserving women in this community who have endured great hardships and are shining examples of positivity and strength (most notably, Carla, a volunteer at The Closet who is admired and appreciated by all of us at The Closet & Single Mothers Outreach).

All of us at Via Tucci / The Closet On Main are so grateful to be a part of such an amazing community of women. We encourage anyone to stop by, have a cup of coffee, and be a part of something so positive.