The Mother-To-Mother Program matches adult volunteer mothers to single mothers needing support. Volunteer mothers share their time and assistance and provide support to the matched mothers.

The goal of the Mother-To-Mother Program is to match a single mother in need of emotional support with a volunteer mother who will be a friend, a resource person, a support, and, also, a listener.. The relationship has agency supervision. Volunteers are trained in areas of cultural sensitivity, what it’s like to be a single parent, the welfare system, local resource agencies, communication skills, self-esteem, parenting skills, and spouse/child abuse.

Client Eligibility Criteria

• Single mother - unmarried, separated, or divorced with no support from live-in paramour.
• Children in the home or a Child Protective Services plan for reunification within three to six months.
• Willing and able to participate in a mutual friendship or relationship.
• If there is a drug and alcohol problem, they must have completed a treatment program and maintained abstinence for a period of four months.
• Willing and able to be a participant for one year.
• Not involved in any other monitoring program.
• If living in a shelter, they will not be accepted until an assessment can be completed in their own residence.
• At least 15 years of age.
• Resident of Erie County.

Volunteer Eligibility Criteria

• Resident of Erie County.
• Be able to commit as a volunteer for one year.
• At least 25 years old.
• Complete application and training process.
• Non-judgmental.
• Experience as a mother.

Volunteer Inquiry Form