GRANT COMES THROUGH FOR SINGLE MOMS.

Byline: SHARON COTAL 

Staff Writer

A week ago, Single Mothers Outreach was in such dire straits that Debbie Quick, its founder and executive director, wasn't sure the organization would make it through the month.

But things are looking up for the local nonprofit that assists single moms. Quick found out Monday that Single Mothers Outreach has been selected to receive a $25,000 grant from the Paul Hughes Family Foundation based in Glendale.

"They came and did a site visit and one week later the foundation president presented our mission to the board," Quick said. "I feel like she really understood our cause."

Based in Canyon Country, Single Mothers Outreach provides assistance including clothes, food, child care and money for bills. The organization has more than 1,600 single mothers in its database of clients.

"The money will be used to keep our doors open. At least it gives us a foundation to work on and we can continue serving these women," Quick said.

Quick recently learned that rent will increase in March for the organization's Canyon Country office space. And the group also needs to hire an office assistant and another case manager.

"We are getting more clients all the time and we need to hire more people," she said. "We don't turn anyone away, but we are desperately in need of more help."

Quick thinks fundraising may be slow because of a misperception about the organization.

"Some people think we're all 16 and pregnant, but these are hardworking single moms. Some are widows, some are divorced, with only a few young, unmarried girls," she said.

"Most of the moms are working moms or moms going to school or both. They are trying to give their kids a better life."

To contact Single Mothers Outreach, call [phone].

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