Single Mom's organization has to close its doors after 3 years of solid effort; funds raised weren't sufficient to continue

News 100 blackBy Staff

August 25, 2014

BURLINGTON, ON.

INCITE A Single Moms Support Group, a local non-profit organization, will be closing its doors as of August 31, 2014, due to financial reasons.

Incite event poster

INCITE did great promotion for their events and turn out was usually quite high – the business model they had proved to be unsustainable.

“As the Board of Directors, we are pleased to have provided support, encouragement, guidance, direction and opportunities for empowerment; to single moms and their children in our community, since April 2011.

Due to the passion, vision and direction of Executive Director, Beth Hudson, our organization has helped hundreds and truly made a difference in the Burlington community. For the last 3.5 years, INCITE has offered single moms a Weekly Support Meeting, Weekly Children’s Program, Social Outings, Philanthropy Events, Affordable Advice and a Good Samaritan Program.

We are proud that INCITE accomplished so much in such a short time, touching the lives of countless people. INCITE, with support from the community, through our Good Samaritan Program helped single moms-in-need through difficult times offering assistance with Christmas help, back-to-school supplies, furniture, food, toys, bikes and much more. Though many of our families were struggling, they gave back and helped others in the community through our Philanthropy Events; including volunteering at Wellington Square’s Community Dinners, the Rotary’s Ribfest and Amazing Bed Race, Salvation Army’s Christmas Toy Drive, as well as facilitated an “Extreme Makeover” on the Shifra House, a local shelter for young Moms.

INCITE A Single Moms Support Group quickly gained recognition across Canada and the United States, providing a rare and unique, but much needed support system, for single moms. Our popularity grew to over 11 000 visitors on our website annually and INCITE was showcased in the Toronto Star, Hamilton Spectator and Burlington Post, as well as on CHML and Cogeco TV. INCITE also produced The Single Mom Show, a web-based show that offered professional guidance from experts, for Single Moms everywhere, as well as produced An Agenda For Single Moms, a book specifically for Single Moms that focussed on taking stock and goal setting.

We were very blessed and are extremely grateful for the support we received from the community. Though there are many to recognize, we want to especially thank Verico Designer Mortgages, Astra Print, the Central Rotary, Halton Region, Rick Burgess, Jeff Lewis, and The Centre for Skills Development & Training, for their on-going support.

INCITE Lowes cheque

There were cheques, some very healthy cheques – there just weren’t enough of them.

Thank you also to our amazing team of Volunteers and Staff, present and past. All of you added something very unique and valuable to the organization, team and families. We all greatly appreciate your passion and contributions, that ultimately made INCITE the success that it was, touching and changing lives.

We want to thank all of the Single Moms that participated in the group, offering their support, feedback, wisdom and experiences; ultimately helping other single moms along their journey. It definitely has been an incredible and memorable experience for all involved.

Thank you to all of you for your support these last few years and for your understanding during this difficult time.

Beth Hudson, the Executive Director of the organization that the annual operating cost was “around $36,000” – that amounted to $3000 a month.  Hudson added that when they were refused charitable status by the federal government – that was the “nail in the coffin”.  We could see it coming and there was nothing we were able to do to keep the doors open and the program running.”

There is one event – a weekend retreat in October that will take place.  As for Beth Hudson -she will begin to work on a web based – national organization to be known as “Answers for Woman”.

Hudson reports that one in five families are run by single Moms.

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2 comments to Single Mom’s organization has to close its doors after 3 years of solid effort; funds raised weren’t sufficient to continue

  • Zaffi

    Single rather than “Singe” perhaps. Thought you hired a new proofreader?

    Editor’s note: Ooops – proof reader was out with the grandchildren.

  • Joan

    I would like to thank Beth and all of the membership who volunteered of their time in the community for the betterment of the lives of single moms. Single moms have been the unsung heroines of our communities since time began choosing to stay and raise their children out of love and acceptance of their responsibilities. This is in the face of the fact that far too many men fathers of these children refuse to do the same. Additionally it does not seem to anger the community that so many fathers choose not to do so. We need an understanding and education of our children and those already grown that it does “take a village” and that first and foremost the family should want to take care of their children and that men should “man up” and do so. It has always been a mystery to me why the fathers would not love them so much they would want to. Even if dad for some reason does not have enough money he can do many things to help. Thanks to women like Beth and her membership for stepping up to the plate to fill the gap. It has been and remains a very necessary service. Hopefully, something will happen to bring you the donations you require. I know if I find my self with money to spare I would most definitely send it your way. Pepper knows how to find you for those of us who find we can be of assistance. Best of luck to you all and thanks again on behalf of all the mothers and their children for whom you made life more bearable. This will not be forgotten.