The idea of the organization was planted after its founder, Harreson Sito, visited the Friends For Life organization. In that visit, the idea of an organization which provides natural and holistic support to single mothers came to him.

One and a half years of questioning and doubting (why he, a man, should be spearheading such an organization) ensued before he received clear guidance during a visionquest that it was time to start, and as unlikely as it seemed, that he was the person to do it.

Following a conversation with Samaya Ryane, the then-owner of Shared Vision magazine, a call was put out in the magazine for volunteers wanting to help nourish the roots of our society. Counsellors, bodyworkers, and other healers responded in support of such a worthy cause. The Vancouver Single Mothers Support Network Society was born December 1995 and officially registered as a non-profit in 1996.

In the following years, many mothers (and the occasional father) have made use of the services. Many were quite amazed that such a service existed, especially for single mothers, as they frequently experienced marginalization and negative stereotyping. Also, taking time for themselves was something that was quite foreign to many mothers.

The goal of the organization is to provide support to single mothers and single fathers. They, arguably more than any other parents, face overwhelming challenges of poverty, lack of support, marginalization, and isolation. Yet, their job of raising a child is one of the most important roles in our society. The Single Mothers Support Network provides individual self-care, group workshops, and community-building in order to support single parents with their invaluable contribution.

The organization continues to be a grassroots society with funding coming mainly from the annual membership of the single mothers/fathers. There are no paid staff positions and all administration and operations is taken care of by volunteers. Donations are greatly appreciated though, at this time, no tax receipt can be offered.