FRESH Program Helps Single Mothers Focus on Well-Being

Being a single mother can be incredibly demanding. From putting food on the table to ensuring their children’s safety, these moms often put their own needs last. Since 2018, The Salvation Army in Corner Brook, N.L., has offered a program called FRESH that encourages mothers to focus on self-care.

Community Family Services Worker Jane Ash says the idea for the program came from a common theme she noticed from clients who were single mothers.

“Several moms would say, ‘My life is centered around my children. All I do is provide for them, get them ready for school and come home,’” Jane recalls.

“It builds confidence and self-esteem, and it gets them out of the house.”

FRESH runs three times a year, offering eight weekly sessions at no cost. The program teaches life skills and provides information on mental and physical health. It also includes a cooking component, where participants learn new recipes, and features guest speakers covering topics from self-care to addiction.

While the content is valuable, Jane says the biggest impact often comes in the connections formed.

“Some of the moms are now getting together outside of FRESH. They’ll bring their kids to the park, grab a snack, and spend time together. It’s creating community,” she says.

For Lisa Pond, a mother of two who lost her husband to cancer, these new relationships have been the most meaningful outcome.

“The biggest transformation we see is that they start to feel valued.”

“I learned I wasn’t the only mom going through the same things,” Lisa shares. “That helped me bond with others and build beautiful friendships.”

The program also introduced her to journaling, self-care strategies, and baking skills.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and would love for every mom to experience a program like FRESH,” she says.

Hailey McNeil, another mom in FRESH, says the program opened the door for new opportunities.

“I met new people and experienced things that I would have not experienced if it wasn’t for FRESH,” Hailey says.

In addition to workshops, participants receive Christmas assistance and clothing vouchers for Salvation Army thrift stores.

As one of the program’s leaders, Jane is proud of the difference FRESH makes.

“The biggest transformation we see is that they start to feel valued,” she says. “It builds confidence and self-esteem, and it gets them out of the house. When people feel like they matter and belong, it improves their mental health.”

By Juan Romero