Stephanie Ward
Founder Gifts for Moms
For many, the holiday season is a magical time full of family, gifts, friends and celebrations. For others it can be a lonely, stressful time. The concept of holiday cheer for some of us, amplifies feelings of loneliness for others. Single Moms are often overlooked during the holidays. They go to great lengths to make sure their kids have a gift on Christmas Morning and often find themselves with nothing for themselves. In 2002 Stephanie Ward found herself in that exact situation. She adopted two children whose mother lost custody and literally overnight became a single mom. As the holiday’s rolled around, her old friends stopped calling and she found herself alone with her small children on Christmas. She spent everything she had to make sure the kids had a special gift under the tree. Yet there was nothing for her. Feeling sad and isolated, Stephanie decided to do something about it and founded the non-profit organization “Gifts for Moms.”
Now in its 14th year, Gifts for Mom’s mission is to strengthen and improve the lives of single parents and their children.
Stephanie is a Bold, Badass woman who lives her truth and makes a difference every day.
Here is her story.
www.giftsformoms.org
“Single mom’s focus on making the holiday’s special for their children. They never think of themselves. ”
TK: Tell me about Gifts for Mom’s and why you started the organization.
SW: It started out as a way to collect donations to give single mom’s a special gift during the holidays. It has grown beyond my dreams over the years. I set the organization up as a peer to peer organization because I think moms are helped by helping others. We require that they volunteer, attend seminars, share and encourage and support each other. We understand that we are not owed the gratitude of others. The organization is designed to move women from struggling to striving. We have an expectation that our moms are working toward goals of a better job, school, home or business ownership.
TK: In addition to gifts for single moms, what other services do you provide?
SW: We host classes on home ownership, seminars on credit repair, we offer resume help, we are a resource for social services. We have a discount on auto repair and we have a fund for emergency utility bills. We also host events where moms can connect and spend time with other moms. We also hosted a monthly support group before COVID. We do a clothing swap, and host a range of seminars that offer valuable information to help families.
TK: What are some challenges unique to single moms?
SW: I have owned a business, put myself through college and worked as a journalist. Despite the many challenges, being a single mom was by far, the hardest job I have ever had. Challenges come from money issues, schedules, homework, discipline issues, school and work obligations. There is no one there as a back up. We do it all.
My heart goes out to single moms, there is nothing like the loneliness and stress that not having enough brings. I am always thinking of ways to make their lives better.
TK: Where can someone who wants to help reach you?
SW: This year has been extremely challenging for single mom’s and the needs are greater than ever before. If you are in the Collin County area we will be hosting a big single moms drive by party this weekend at Chase Oaks Church 281 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023. We need door prize gifts so please consider making a donation.
We still need sponsors for several families. If you would like to adopt a family for Christmas, please contact us. You can send an email to stephanie@giftsformoms.org or giftsformoms@rocketmail.com
Gifts for Moms office.: 214 935-8994
TK: How do people in need reach out to you?
SW: Our service area is Collin County where 6.74% of the population (909,894 people) live below the poverty line. This number is lower than the national average of 14.7%; but the largest demographic living in poverty is females aged 25-34 with children. Referrals are usually by word of mouth. You can follow us on our Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/searc/top?q=gifts%20for%20moms%20group
