In this issue...

Student Survey

Revised go-live dates for Resource 25 and SIS

Single Moms Network offers support to students at MCC

Community member becomes author thanks to MCC’s New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning

Music students to participate in Songwriter's Expo

AriZoni Awards Recognize MCC Performing Arts

Recognitions

Media Relations

MCC Event Calendar

Printable version

Issues now online…

Publication Archives
Institutional Advancement
Mesa Community College

Single Moms Network offers support to students at MCC

A new club at Mesa Community College is helping single mothers face the stresses of balancing parenthood with academic pursuits. Tina Bambury, co-facilitator of MCC’s Single Moms Network, said single mothers often feel alone, overwhelmed and isolated from other students. The organization is designed to offer support, resources and encouragement for single women.

“This is a great venue for single moms to build mutually supportive relationships, where they know that they are not alone,” Bambury said. “We provide a safe place. Where what is said there, stays there.”

Tia Brown, an MCC student and mother of a three-year-old daughter, became a single parent last year when her husband, a recently returned veteran from Iraq and MCC student, died in a motorcycle accident. She said that not having enough time and money are constant concerns.

“It’s the guilt of trying to do everything and not being able to do it,” Brown said.

The club meets the third Saturday of each month at MCC and offers a variety of interactive motivational speakers and recreational activities at no charge. Topics covered include empowerment, time management, goal setting and academic resources. Meetings also include a continental breakfast sponsored by local businesses. Scheduled outings to SunSplash and the Phoenix Zoo provide entertainment to families of single moms that they would not otherwise be able to afford.

The Single Moms Network is modeled after a chapter at Glendale Community College and is sponsored by the Turnbow Foundation and Helping Hands for Single Moms. Bambury is hoping that their numbers will grow as students find out about the network.  Future plans for the club include individualized support for the moms.

Brown said that her goals include completing her associate degree at MCC before her daughter starts school next year. She is the recipient of a Turnbow Foundation scholarship. 

“I’ve learned to ask for help and people are more than willing,” said Brown.

More information about the Single Moms Network can be found by contacting Tina Bambury at (480) 641-3345 or tinabambury@cox.net.