Founded in 2014, The Momentum Network launched with a clear to build a village of support for single parent households to further their education thereby advancing their future. Now, as The Momentum Network approaches the ten-year milestone, we spoke with founder Cara Hicks about this nonprofit and its impact on redefining what it means to be a single mother.
Tell us about the growth The Momentum Network has experienced over the last decade.
Hicks: What began as a grassroots effort with no funding has become a movement of more than 4000 people, locally and nationally, coming together to build something beyond ourselves. Over the years, we've gotten to be a part of the journeys of young mothers who have overcome challenges, pursued higher education, earned great employment opportunities, and created better lives for themselves and their families. We have forged meaningful partnerships with other organizations, businesses, and community leaders. These partnerships have expanded the reach and impact of the organization, allowing it to provide a wider range of resources and support to its members.
Tell us about the Momentum Network's emphasis on fostering relationships.
Hicks: Historically, society has addressed social or economic challenges primarily with financial or material solutions, but we've yet to see the needle move very far. We believe our most powerful asset is our relationships. We are working to bring people together in intentional ways with a solidarity over charity approach. When we bring together peers, mentors, and their children, we all grow better together.
How does the name of the organization align with its vision, mission and purpose?
Just like the definition of the term "momentum", we believe that what starts small can become a powerful movement as mass, or the people who become a part of it, come together and move in one direction together. As a two-generation organization, we believe we can "speed up" the healing and moving forward of entire communities when we consider both generations. And of course, we love that momentum starts with MOM.