SHE IS HOPE LA
Welcome!
SHE IS HOPE LA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering single mothers and their families by providing essential resources, education, and support. Through housing, career development, and community programs, SHE IS HOPE LA is committed to breaking the cycle of instability and guiding single mothers on their journey from survival to success.
MISSON
At SHE IS HOPE LA, we envision a world where single mothers are universally empowered, societal and institutional barriers to their success are dismantled, creating an equitable landscape where single mothers and their families thrive. Our mission is to break the cycle of instability by empowering single mothers and their children, guiding their journey from survival to a state of enduring success. As a beacon of hope and a catalyst for systemic change, we aim to redefine the landscape of support, ensuring that every mother and child has the opportunity to flourish and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient society.
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VALUES
Empowerment: We believe in equipping single mothers with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to take control of their own futures.
Compassion: We approach our work with empathy, understanding that each mother and child we serve has a unique story and set of needs.
Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity, ensuring an environment where every voice is heard, every culture is respected, and every family feels they belong.
Resilience: We are committed to helping those we serve confront adversities with fortitude, bounce back from setbacks, and build a strong foundation for the future.
Collaboration: We believe in the power of unity, partnerships and community involvement, understanding that it takes a collective effort to create lasting change.
Integrity: We operate with the highest standards of ethical practices, transparency, honesty, and accountability, fostering the trust and mutual respect of those we serve, our community, and beyond.
Innovation: Our approach is dynamic and forward-thinking, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of families with creative solutions and sustainable strategies.
VISION
SHE IS HOPE LA is deeply committed to redefining support structures and advocacy, equipping single mother families with the necessary resources to ensure a life of dignity and security. We recognize that the journey towards stability and self-reliance begins with meeting essential daily and basic human needs. Our comprehensive support system begins with access to nutritious food, clothing, and essential household items, and continues into education, career development, safe and secure housing and childcare resources. We believe that addressing these individual or collective needs builds a strong foundation for those we serve, paving the way for a future filled with opportunity and hope.
GET INVOLVED
You Can Make a Difference
Our strength is amplified with collective action, and you can help make a difference with She Is Hope LA right now! The support we receive is a huge driver of the good work we do in single mothers solve their most challenging problems. Get in touch today and join our community in making a lasting impact.
THE INSPIRATION THAT
BEGAN SHE IS HOPE LA
TISHA'S STORY
My journey wasn't easy, but it shaped who I am today. In my marriage, I often felt trapped by the vows I had taken and the fear of burdening my parents if I left. The birth of my two sons, both facing health issues and numerous surgeries, only added to the stress. I left my ex-husband several times, starting when my second son was just six months old. When I finally found the strength to leave for good, my boys and I began our new lives with only three suitcases, as all our belongings were in a storage unit in another state. With no money, credit, or assets, finding an apartment was incredibly challenging, even with my father as a co-signer. The wait for Section 8 Housing was unbearably long.
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I soon discovered that I couldn't afford before and after-school childcare, so I began searching for a part-time job. Unfortunately, many companies refused to even interview me, deeming me overqualified due to my Bachelor's Degree and assuming I wouldn't stay long. When I eventually secured a few hours of work each week, my food stamp benefits plummeted, revealing the flaws in a system that seems designed to keep people dependent.
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Despite my efforts, my income wasn't enough to cover utilities, even with a low-income discount. To make ends meet, I scoured Craig's List and Freecycle for items to resell and picked items up from the side of the road. Growing up on the East Coast, helping my parents in the antique business had given me a knack for this. By sharing my story with friends old and new, I received a hand up instead of a handout in the form of side jobs, such as babysitting and pet sitting and participating in focus groups. These side hustles were crucial in covering utilities, food, and gas. The work and minimal child support placed me in the gap right above the poverty line, where little assistance was available.
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My luck began to change when I was promoted six months after starting a part-time job. Reflecting on my journey, I wouldn't change a thing because it brought me my two amazing sons, who are my world. Through these challenges and countless conversations with other single moms facing similar struggles, I realized I had to make a difference.
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My personal experiences and the obstacles faced by single moms inspired me to create SHE IS HOPE LA. This organization is dedicated to providing the support and resources that single mothers need to thrive. Together, we can break the cycle of instability and empower single mothers and their children to achieve enduring success by giving them a new purpose, a new direction and a new hope!
Tisha Janigian