#single-mothers

#single-mothers

CHELSEA, Manhattan -- For over 30 years, Hearts of Gold, a grassroots nonprofit, has been reshaping what's possible for single mothers and their children living in New York City shelters. The approach? Break the cycle of poverty not just with services, but with belief. Before the job training, the paid internships, and the workshops, it all starts with one thing: reminding a mother that she matters.

WINCHESTER, Va. It's 6 a.m. and still dark outside. But Adrienne Rumley's two-bedroom apartment is alive with kinetic energy. A 4-month-old kitten darts around. A big dog patters back and forth. Another cat stealthily watches the morning unfold from behind a chair. A 2-year-old child is sleepily sucking on a pacifier and watching TV. The scene may seem chaotic. But 37-year-old Rumley's morning routine is running in clockwork precision.

Unveiled on Sept. 18, the vibrant piece of public art celebrates the resilience, strength and hopes of single mothers and their children, anchoring a collaboration between the Jeremiah Program and the Groundswell Community Memorial Project. The 12-foot-long, 10-foot-tall mural was designed and painted by 15 young artists from Groundswell's Voices Her'd program, led by teaching artist Mimi Ditkoff and assistant teaching artist Mahogany Brown. The team worked hand in hand with mothers in the program, transforming their personal stories into brushstrokes of empowerment.

Finding a love match is difficult enough at the best of times, never mind adding a child to the mix.