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The Single Mothers Support Network is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization supporting low-income single mothers
and fathers. There are no paid staff at this time as volunteers take responsibility for all necessary duties such as delivery of
services, administration, etc. There is a board of directors and the current board members are:
Harreson Sito
By the grace of a merciful and loving God and the support of my kind and patient parents, I have been fortunate to start
this organization. Over the years, I have been blessed to meet many incredibly strong, wise, loving, and vulnerable mothers
(and occasional father) and have, in some small way, been able to make their lives a little bit easier.
Most women find it peculiar if not suspicious that I, a man, started an organization for single mothers. The natural
inclination is to suspect ulterior motives. Looking back now, I see that as unlikely as it seemed, I did have certain
qualifications needed to start this primarily women's organization. Since I had no children myself, I had the time. I also
had background and interest in natural holistic healing, being a certified Polarity Therapist and bodyworker.
And, I was looking for some way to be of service to the world.
Helping others, I have found, inevitably benefits the person doing the helping. I have received many benefits from taking on this
responsibility - greater self-esteem, a sense of doing something purposeful, and a new network of friends that I can call
part of my community. I encourage all those who may have some time and who are looking for some greater fulfillment,
friends, community, and purpose in their lives to volunteer.
I dedicate the merits of the organization and my work to my parents, my ancestors and to all sentient beings. I would like
to thank all the people who have made this organization possibly: my parents, all the kind-hearted volunteers over the
years, Sabina Zahn for her continued dedication and efficiency. Thanks to all those who have supported us: our past donors,
my sister and nephew - Julia and Jason, Kannara Daniel, Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House, the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House,
the East Side Family Place, the West Side Family Place, Shared Vision Magazine, Samaya Ryane, Rex Wyler.
I would be happy to share my experience with anyone who wants to start a similar organization in their area. If you have
any questions, please contact me:
harreson
Sabina Zahn
I have been a single mom for the last 5 years. I have two children, one boy one girl. Jessica is 25 years
old and Damien is 13 years old. I joined as a member in the spring of 1998 and through the network,
was able experience things that I have never had in my life, like an all over body massage for one and
a half hours. A year later I was still so impressed by all the services that that I wanted to give
something back to the organization.
So I talked to the founder of the single moms and asked if there was anything I could do to help out
on a volunteer basis. I am now on the Board of Directors and have been since May of 1999. Even
though it gets pretty overwhelming sometimes with all the work, I also work full-time outside of the
home, I still very much enjoy being a part of this organization. I am very grateful to have been a part
of it.
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