The Edmond Sun

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June 16, 2011

Local ministry invites single mothers to conference

The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — According to the U.S. Census Bureau there are 9.68 million single mothers in America. They comprise more than one-fourth of the homes in the United States.  

Arise Ministries, a nonprofit, Edmond-based women’s organization, is hosting the sixth annual Single Mothers’ Conference June 24-25 at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City.

More than 400 single moms from all over the area as well as five surrounding states gathered for the conference last year, and attendance is expected to increase this June. The conference has been endorsed by Gov. Mary Fallin, who serves as honorary chair of the event, and former Gov. Brad Henry.

Mothers from all ages, stages and areas of single motherhood gather at the conference for their booster shot of encouragement. The attendees comprise single mothers who have never married, or who have adopted a child without a spouse. Other moms include women who are separated, widowed or divorced, as well as ladies whose husbands are either incarcerated or stationed overseas in the military. Due to the diversity of backgrounds, breakout sessions cover a wide range of subjects to meet the individual needs of the moms.

Participants can select from a variety of breakout topics that offer fresh insight and practical help in finances, time management, dating and remarriage, overcoming abuse, dealing with teenagers, home maintenance, raising boys, co-dependency and more. Moms will leave the weekend of help and humor encouraged to persevere in raising children alone.

“The role of a single mother has never before been so taxing,” said Arise Ministries co-founder Pam Kanaly, of Edmond. “She’s the cook, the taxi driver, the money maker, the disciplinarian and the homework monitor. The demand of being the sole physical, spiritual, financial and emotional provider for our children falls outside our created roles as mothers, yet through God’s power we’re granted strength.”

From personal experience Kanaly understands that the “wear and tear of everyday life leaves most single mothers overwhelmed and needing a network of support.”

A single mom who attended last year said, “During a time when I felt no one saw me or cared about my plight, you made a difference in my life and sent home a mom who is committed to surviving and thriving. My family will never be the same.”

Another mom said, “It’s not just a conference, but an experience.”

Out of the conference, expressed by a participant, came the motto for the event: Single motherhood is not a curse, but a celebration.

Cost is $25 for moms with free childcare. Deadline registration for childcare is June 17, but June 20 for moms attending without children. For more information or to register, call 812-5137 or visit www.ariseministries.net.

Arise Ministries, a 501(c)(3) organization, educates and encourages women through conference, seminars, books, radio and television. Incorporated in 2002, Kanaly and Shelley Pulliam co-founded the ministry.

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