Single Women as Parents celebrates 40 years

Single Women as Parents celebrates 40 years of supporting the community.

8/11/2015

Single Women as Parents Inc. are celebrating their 40th anniversary, and return to their freshly repaired community house this week. Since the early 1970s Single Women as Parents have been supporting women parenting alone in Christchurch. The range of services provided has changed with time but continues to empower single mothers and their children to be self-sufficient.

The anniversary will be celebrated with a morning tea on Wednesday 11th November. The Community House at 70 Springfield Road, St Albans will be open from 10am. Invited guest include current and former staff and board members, several former and current clients and volunteers, funders and partner organisations.

In post-earthquake Christchurch single mothers and their families are confronted with many challenges and our organisation provides a wrap- around service to address and assist with as many of these as possible. For the client’s financial hardship, housing, basic needs of food, transport, clothing, healthy living conditions, and social isolation, are exacerbated by many issues including loss of confidence, addiction, abuse, fragmentation of families/whanau support, and mental health issues. Demand for Single Women as Parents services has increased as a result of the stresses faced by many families in Christchurch.

The Community House was not immune to damage and the process of rebuilding and rejuvenation that is occurring around Christchurch has also extended to the organisation in both tangible and intangible ways. Earthquake repairs and renovations have been recently completed at the Community House, and it’s timely that the organisation has been operational since the early 1970s. “We’re all delighted to be back in our rightful place in the community” says Single Women as Parents Manager Jill Turner. “We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to make this happen, and we appreciate their ongoing support.” The event on Wednesday week is a chance to celebrate and reflect.

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