In the fall of 2020, at the height of COVID-19, we recognized that single mothers with small children who came to us for assistance struggled with the everyday challenges of raising young children in isolation, in a new land and with few job prospects during the pandemic. We knew that we needed to help these women foster a sense of solidarity as well as basic parenting skills. And so, with help from a generous grant from Carolyn and David Holstein, “Madres Protagonistas” was born.
We had three goals: to provide a class to teach basic literacy while modeling skills and behaviors to mothers and their children; to teach an additional parenting class to educate young mothers about early childhood development and parenting skills; and, to offer a monthly stipend both as an incentive to commit to the classes and to ease the acute economic stress during winter months when work is scarce, especially during the pandemic. There was only one criterion for participation: to be a single parent with a child between the ages of two and four. The only way to implement the program initially was through Zoom classes.
Fast forward to the spring of 2024. Madres Protagonistas is thriving as it completes its fourth year. We have built on its success by adding English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for mothers to be better equipped to find work and better engage in their children’s education. The Holstein family has continued their generous support and we have received additional grants from the Long Island Community Foundation and Alpern Family Foundation, Inc.
Since the beginning, Madres Protagonistas has served 69 individuals – 33 mothers and 36 children. These single mothers are better prepared to overcome challenges as they make this new country their home. They learn about American culture and acquire English language skills while working and raising young children. One participant commented on how the program has helped her: “I used to get angry with my daughter, but now I look for ways to deal with her and be patient.” Another stated, “Participating in the program gave me the opportunity to spend time with my son, spend time sharing together.”
The program also provides families with an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. Mothers and children develop relationships that go beyond the 13 weeks of classes. They establish a support network that is integral to their feeling part of the community. Another member of the 2023-24 class said, “I didn’t feel alone being with other mothers.” They get to know other families before their children enter the Hampton Bay School system. This year, five children will be registered in the Pre-K and Kindergarten programs. As the instructors get to know the children in the Madres Protagonistas program, theycan identify areas of concern. This past year alone, four children were referred for early intervention program services. Madres Protagonistas has enriched our lives as well as those of the mothers and children.