Supporting Single Moms in Arkansas: Understanding the challenges and how you can serve

In 2021, 46% of babies were born to unmarried women in Arkansas. In fact, Arkansas has the second-highest rate of single motherhood in the United States. For moms across the state, working to make ends meet comes with extra stressors. There are bills to be paid, groceries to buy, gas to pay for and kids to parent all by themselves. Along with the day-to-day stressors, there are also looming financial challenges of the future. Moms are thinking about buying their kids first car and sending their kid to college. Single moms need support. 

In Arkansas, single motherhood comes with additional challenges. With a high poverty rate and limited access to resources, single motherhood looks like stretching SNAP benefits, finding time and transportation to receive healthcare and securing affordable, dependable childcare. With the fourth highest poverty rate in the country, Arkansas moms are struggling. 

To support single moms, showing up is important. This could be showing up with pizzas on a weeknight to provide dinner or offering to pay for her groceries for the week. Showing up also looks like lending a listening ear, standing in when times are tough and cheering her on. Another way to bless moms is to provide free childcare for the night. Allow the mom to run errands and spend time doing what she loves without distractions.

For a struggling single mom of two in North Little Rock, a few household essentials made all the difference as she worked towards building her new life. For several years, this mom and her children were homeless. With the blessing of a new home, this mom needed support as she and her family transitioned into living independently. With the connection of a local church in North Little Rock, the mom was able to receive household goods and a loving relationship with the church. A Touch of Glory Ministry provided the mom with new bedding, a fan, dishes and a microwave. This new relationship was more than providing a blessing, the mom and her family experienced the love of Jesus through the church and now have a community to connect with. 

When others come alongside single moms, this is when they are empowered and supported as they raise their children. 1 John 4:7 says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” Let the love of God be the reason for serving and meeting the needs of single moms. 

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

1 John 4:7