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New Citrus Heights nonprofit offering scholarships for childcare during holidays

By Thomas J. Sullivan–
Single Mom Strong, a Citrus Heights nonprofit serving single mothers and their families, has partnered with a Sacramento Valley nonprofit to cover the financial costs associated with childcare during upcoming Thanksgiving and winter holiday school vacation breaks.

“The scholarship funds from 100+ Women Who Care will make these camps possible for single parent families who would otherwise not be able to participate,” said Tara Taylor, founder of Single Mom Strong, in a news release. A total of 15 scholarship winners will be randomly selected.

The deadline to apply for a financial scholarship is Friday, Nov. 15. Single mothers living within Sacramento County or a 20-minute drive of the Empowerment Center are encouraged to apply at www.singlemomstrong.org/empowerme-pre-school-and-childcare

Thanksgiving and winter break camps are an extension of Single Mom Strong’s non-school day care program, Taylor said.

These specific programs accept up to 28 school-aged students per session, up to five days per week, Monday through Friday. Enrollment is available on a first come, first serve basis at a rate of $33 per day, or a five-day pack per student can be purchased for a discounted rate of $150. Daily hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Taylor said the cost of childcare is often a significant strain on the family budget, particularly for single parents.

“The problem multiplies when school is not in session and full-day programs are needed.  Single Mom Strong’s Thanksgiving and winter break camps can meet their needs when school closures create a challenge for working parents,” she said.

“Many parents have had to use their sick or vacation time to stay home with their children during school closures.  We want them to recognize they have other quality options, so we created one which is affordable and high quality,” Taylor said.

Camps offered by Single Mom Strong during the upcoming school break are designed to promote literacy, science-technology-math (STEM) activities and ensure children stay active.

“We want children to enjoy their school breaks, while continuing to learn and be active.  We’ve turned the concept of ‘daycare’ on its head by packing our camps with fun, engaging activities,” said Le Taunya Terrell, Single Mom Strong’s childcare director.

Single Mom Strong is also partnering with a variety of youth-oriented organizations including Street Soccer USA to ensure participating children enjoy a diverse mix of activities each week of Thanksgiving and holiday week camp.

Its Empowerment Center in Citrus Heights is a licensed facility for pre-school, non-school day care, transitional kindergarten, which features value and activity-based camps. Preschool and childcare programs are open to all children, but single parents can volunteer in the center and receive a tuition discount, Taylor said.

Since its inception in 2016, Taylor said she estimates that Single Mom Strong has served over 400 mothers and children in the immediate area.

Single Mom Strong’s Empowerment Center is staffed by early childhood qualified educators, volunteers and single mother community members. Taylor said year-round full, and part-day pre-school enrichment programs are also offered at the center and a drop-in, school-age program is available on holidays and days when school is not in session.

The Empowerment Center, by Single Mom Strong and the EmpowerME Preschool & Childcare is located at 7525 Auburn Blvd., in Citrus Heights. Those seeking more information can call (916) 735-5350 or visit www.singlemomstrong.org.