Mom Squad

Mom Squad is a vital program built to serve mothers who are homeless or at risk for homelessness. It's a skills based service where parents can earn childcare vouchers by committing to 30 hours of community service while taking the next steps toward their own career or educational path.

As parents work to achieve their goals they can rest assured that their children are enrolled in a safe, positive and educational environment with other kids their own age through Square One.

"Participants of Mom Squad come from all ages, genders and backgrounds. At times I work with individuals for an hour and other times it is a matter of weeks or months, depending on the specific needs of that person," said Torres.

Every individual that comes through the program possesses a different and often times difficult situation. Unfortunately, people who enroll in the program regularly come from backgrounds of abuse and neglect with a lack of support or encouragement. That's why every participant is treated with care and concern for their unique set of circumstances.

The majority of referrals for Mom Squad come from the Department of Transitional Assistance(DTA) or HAPHousing, including individuals who rely on cash assistance or families living in shelters. (LINK TO THEIR WEBSITES)

Mom Squad focuses on trying to get these individuals on their feet and working towards a goal. That goal might be to enroll at school, take classes or to begin working towards finding a job or relocation. Job training in Mom Squad includes a variety of skills depending on an individual's needs and circumstances.  This can include soft skills such as phone etiquette or how to behave in a conflict at work. Other times, it's training's on resume building, cover letter writing and applying for school.

The majority of individuals who go through the program are ready to begin the job hunt within three months of joining. Mom Squad then connects these individuals with various job agencies the area such as Griffins Staffing Network, FutureWorks Career Center, CareerPoint and more. (LINK)

Square One programs--like Mom Squad--attempt to break the cycle of poverty, lack of shelter, food insecurity, homelessness, addiction, unemployment, incarceration, and domestic violence just to name a few.

We have a duty to provide opportunity to those who can't provide it for themselves. Families who go through our programs often leave in a much better position than where they started. A little support can go a long way in showing someone that they are 'enough' and they CAN do it, even when it seems every other voice is telling them that they can't.

Square One consistently raises the bar as far as early education and care is concerned, but the solid foundation that we aim to provide to these children has no grip without healthy home life and parental influences. That's why programs--like Mom Squad--are so important in our community. This is where it starts.

The signs of winter’s approach are many. Fallen leaves. Flocks of birds flying south. Frost on your car windshield. Holiday decorations in the stores.                                                     In our region, one sure sign that winter is coming can be found wherever you find an oak tree. Squirrels – by the hundreds – are darting about, gathering acorns with single-minded focus and working furiously to store them away in preparation for a long winter season. Judging by the number of squirrels I’ve seen this year and the intensity of their work, they seem to know that this coming winter will be a tough one.

With a similar sense of urgency and focus, Square One is getting ready for winter by anticipating the challenges that cold weather presents to children and families in need. We learned long ago that getting through winter is a result of advanced preparation, so like our friends the squirrels, we’re “plan ahead” types at Square One.

We know that all winter long kids need a warm and welcoming environment where they are cared for and educated and loved. A place where they are fed wholesome food and taught ways to make smart, healthy choices. A place where they can be comfortable being who they are and not pressured by bullies or gang activity. A place where they can be safe and secure while their parents are at work, trying to make a better life for their families.

Creating that warm and welcoming environment is at the core of Square One’s mission, but winter brings on additional challenges. For example, we know that many of the children in our care will need a warm coat, mittens and a hat this winter, so we’ve already been working with our community partners to help ensure that every child who needs these winter staples gets them. But what happens when a child goes home and the heat is off? Many young families served by Square One will need fuel assistance to heat their home this winter. Some will need help with a landlord who hasn’t seen to it that the oil tank is filled regularly. Others may need additional resources so they are not left with the decision "do I eat or do I heat?" 

Square One works to be there for children and families at many levels. With winter coming, we’re busy as squirrels with seasonal preparations that complement our year-round culture of emotional support. These preparations and this support will make a huge difference in the lives of the children we serve as winter slowly begins to tighten its icy grip on greater Springfield.