There Is No One To Help Me - Single Moms

“There is no one to help me.” This typical comment heard by the 134 single moms who have seen God at work through His Safe Families for Children Indy (SFFCI) team of volunteers and staff. Single moms make up the single biggest population of the 265 units in the SFFC Indy database. Put aside your calculator, the answer is 50.56%. As a man, I cannot even begin to stand in the emotional or mental shoes of a single mom with serious life issues facing her. Add one or more children into the mix and my heart breaks and my head hurts. With no reliable network of family or friends, SFFC Indy is there for her. Divorced moms account for 22 (8%) family units. Only 44 (17%) are married. Don’t get distracted about the serious issues of single parent vs. two parent families. Do stay focused on the reality of the lives of those who are served by the hands and feet of Jesus through SFFC Indy. Krista Davis constantly reminds us, “behind each number is a compelling story that is important to God. Practice Biblical hospitality, do not judge.” These are real people deep into real life issues that may seem overwhelming. We know we cannot fix their situations. As Margo Bacon (a compelled SFFC Indy volunteer) once said, “you fix machines, not people”. Margo quickly added, “but we can make a difference in the lives of people, one at a time. Our western middle class upbringing makes us want to jump in and fix the problems of the world. God knows that if we could fix broken lives, we would become very proud, prideful to the point of self worship. He wants us to do the small things and do them well. Such as being a host to one of these little children who are so vulnerable."

Do you want to make a difference is the life of a child? Start at www.Safe-Families.org

We invite you into our space on this topic. Feel free to provide responsible and respectful comments and questions.

Chuck Gross

SFFCI Advisory Board

Five Stories

Here is a peek into the work that Safe Families does every day. We are sharing five short stories that illustrate our work and our involvement with Safe Families, biological families and more.

A young mother called Safe Families, literally in tears. She had been staying with a friend and was being kicked out. They were completely out of food. She had borrowed the phone from a neighbor just so she could call. She left me her address and begged me to come pick up her children. Within two hours, both of her children were placed into loving Safe Families. Since being with these Safe Families, her children have reached new developmental milestones. Each week they visit with their mother and are excited to share their progress with her. The mother now has a job and is set to move into a new apartment later this month.

A couple called us asking for reprieve for their adopted children. They had adopted internationally about a year ago and have faced unique challenges. The children were excited to have a break from each other and to do fun things over a weekend. One of the children in particular formed a great new bond with her Safe Family. The Safe Family wants to provide ongoing respite and continued support for this family.

A church contacted us asking for help with a young mother in their congregation. She had been battling with alcoholism for years and had had a recent setback. The church was concerned for the safety of her infant. We arranged for her baby to stay with a Safe Family for a month while the mother attended AA meetings and started counseling. During that month, the mother saw her child for an overnight visit and was able to call the Safe Family for support during a temper tantrum instead of turning to alcohol. The Safe Family wants to continue to support this young mother and provide respite for her one weekend a month.

An older teen was recently orphaned. He had difficulties with his extended family and had been kicked out. He stayed with friends until he saw signs of substance abuse, so he checked himself into a shelter and contacted his youth pastor. The youth pastor contacted us and we were able to find a Safe Family for him. He has completed his high school courses and is now working until he starts college in the fall.

Social workers called us in desperation and they were trying to get a single mother checked into the hospital. She had been preparing to end her life, but stopped when she heard her baby crying. We were able to place her three young children with Safe Families while she was evaluated at the hospital. She was sent home with medication and was set up with counseling services before the children went home with her.

An older teen was recently orphaned. He had difficulties with extended family and was kicked out. He stayed with friends, but left when he saw signs of substance abuse. He checked himself into a shelter and contacted his youth pastor. His youth pastor contacted us and we were able to find a Safe Family for him. He has completed his high school courses and is now working until he starts college this fall.

Lacey

We're starting out this blog with the words of a 17 year old girl who had been placed through Safe Families. Her life was greatly impacted through Safe Families, which is evidenced through her poem.

Living More Joyfully
by Lacey Jo Risley

Safe Families is a home where you can be loved,
Not where you get hurt, put down or judged.
They take you in, not knowing who you are,
Giving you a chance to take your dreams far.

They give you a hope that you never had.
The will power to do anything without being held back.
They support you in everything that you do,
Whether it's singing, dancing or writing your own tunes.

It's a chance to get the love and faith you need,
While living more joyfully with SAFE FAMILIES!