Making Our Moms Successful
An Interview with Executive Director of the M.O.M.S. Program, Kathryn Archambault
Hello Faith Fam,
Your generosity never ceases to amaze me! Last week our community hosted a donation drive for the M.O.M.S. Program. The M.O.M.S. office and food pantry is located in our Faith Covenant Church building in the lower level. Given our close proximity and commitment to their mission, I took some time to interview Executive Director, Kathryn Archambault:
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Question: What led you to work at the M.O.M.S. Program?
Answer: I was working for another non-profit when Jane Palmer (former Executive Director of M.O.M.S. and Faith Covenant member) called me, we had coffee, and she said there’s a program manager job available at M.O.M.S. and thought I would be a good fit for it. I felt like God was leading me and my heart has always been in non-profit work. After 6 months, Jane found a new role and that is when the board asked me to move into the Executive Director position.
Question: What does the M.O.M.S. Program do?
Answer: The M.O.M.S. Program is a long-term mentoring program that works one on one with single moms in poverty. Our goal is to get them to self-sufficiency. We promote self-sufficiency through mentor matching, education classes, and resources like the food pantry, crisis fund, education fund, and the child in need fund.
Question: How many moms do you serve and how do they find the M.O.M.S. Program?
Answer: We serve up to ten family units at a time—we say family units because we also serve the children. We help children with crisis needs like food, clothing, and the child in need fund, so this means potentially serving 25-30 people each week.
Most of our referrals come from social services in Dakota County. Another partner we receive referrals from is the Lewis House. There are also referrals from our moms who have gone through the program. Sometimes a child works with a social worker at school and they refer. There’s a lot of community collaboration.
Question: How do you see God using the M.O.M.S. Program to create a more equitable future for the moms and the kids you serve?
Answer: God has done amazing things in our program. When we help moms become healthier parents and help move them toward self-sufficiency, we in turn are helping the next generation.
Question: How has COVID-19 impacted your serving?
Answer: Even though our physical office is closed, we currently serve at 100% capacity. Our staff works remotely and shifted to in-person education to virtual Zoom meetings. We continue to provide food items from our food pantry. Goal setting shifted as a result of the stay at home order, however the moms created new goals which are attainable while at home.
Question: What are your hopes for this fall and the future of the M.O.M.S. Program?
Answer: Our hopes are for the moms and mentors to have face to face contact. We started getting together outside, but we would love to continue with in person meetings with childcare. And we would love to host the Beautiful You fundraising event in the fall.
I think it’s amazing how God always brings the right moms at the right time—I pray we can help every single mom get closer to self-sufficiency and become a more stable parent for their children.
Question: How can we support you as your church family?
Answer: We always need prayer. If you want to get involved, we are always looking for new board members or mentors. We welcome all skills and gifts. If you have a heart for single moms, we have a place for you to serve. You may contact me directly at office@momsprogram.org or visit our website.
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Thank you to Kathryn, Carla, the Executive Board, and Faith Covenant Church volunteers for supporting this program. We pray God’s Spirit moves our congregation to grow our partnership with your organization in the years to come!
Blessings,
Tone Waters, Director of GO & Communications