"Motherhood is the ultimate call to sacrifice.” Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu
Life demands much of single mothers. As the sole parents and breadwinners, these moms shoulder heavy burdens that would stagger many of us. And yet they typically do so with far less resources than the average family.
Look at these sobering statistics from our community. The average median income for all residents of Brazos county grew from $35,407 in 2010 to $49,362 in 2021, which is a 15% increase adjusted for inflation. In contrast, the average median income for single moms in our county only grew from $21,838 in 2010 to $24,962 in 2021, which is actually a 10% DECREASE adjusted for inflation. So not only did they start with far less in 2010, but their average wages have actually decreased in purchasing power over the last eleven years. Their challenges are growing as their income shrinks! Even if these women work doggedly, many still need assistance to thrive, as do their kids.
This is where OnRamp comes in. Over the past ten days, we have been blessed to give reliable cars to four such single moms in our community. We’re protecting their privacy, but here’s a few details we can share with their permission.
Client 134 is a single mom who works two jobs and cares for an adult son suffering from a debilitating illness. His treatments require monthly trips to Temple, Waco, and Houston. She has been a faithful participant in the TAMU Reach Project for the last few years and has availed herself of all the help they offer.
Client 135 is a single mom of a child with special needs. They live in the country far from public transportation or walkable streets. When her previous vehicle broke down, her employment and access to essential services were threatened.
Client 136 is a single mother of 2 children who also takes care of a friend’s 4 children and works overnight in the medical field. She’s hardworking and determined to provide for her kids and improve her trajectory.
Client 137 is a single mom of three who works for our local school district. Her previous vehicle was so unreliable it would simply shut down in the middle of the street, endangering her and her kids. When her cousin, with whom she was very close, died recently, she was unable to attend the funeral because she lacked transportation.
What unites these four women, other than being hard working single moms, is that after paying bills, rent, groceries, and medical bills, there is simply no money left to afford a reliable car, especially in today’s inflated market. These moms need a hand-up to continue providing for their kids!
OnRamp gives thanks today for the privilege of partnering with these four hard-working women in their journey towards generational self-sufficiency. With the help of our generous donors, we were able to donate three Corollas and one Camry to this great group of moms and their children. If you’d like to help us continue serving single moms in the Brazos Valley, please consider donating funds or vehicles to our ministry by visiting www.onramptx.org/give.
