SMART- Single Mothers Accessing Resources for Transformation

PROJECT SUMMARY
"The strength of a community is measured by how it treats its
most vulnerable members." – Anonymous

Single-parent households on Long Island, particularly those led by single mothers, face unique challenges, including higher poverty rates compared to other family structures.
Poverty Rates Among Single Mothers:
• In 2023, single women with children on Long Island experienced a poverty rate of 10.9%, which is higher than other demographic groups. (Newsday)
• This rate is notably higher than the overall poverty rates in Nassau and Suffolk counties, which were 5.4% and 6.8% respectively in 2023. (Health & Welfare Council of LI)
Household Composition:
• As of the 2010 Census, Nassau County had 20,598 households led by single mothers with children under 18, accounting for 4.6% of total households.
• Suffolk County reported 26,405 such households, representing 5.3% of total households. (Newsday)
Economic Challenges:
• The federal poverty threshold in 2023 was $30,900 for a family of two adults and two children.
• However, given Long Island's high cost of living, many single-parent families earning above this threshold still struggle to meet basic needs. (Newsday)
These statistics highlight the economic hardships faced by single-parent households on Long Island, underscoring the need for targeted support and resources to assist these families in achieving financial stability.

These statistics are staggering and the reason why SVDPLI found it necessary to launch our SMART Program. The SMART Program--Single Mothers Accessing Resources for Transformation—aids single-parent households, addressing critical needs and expenses that alleviate stress and promote stability. This initiative provides essential relief to a growing yet often underserved demographic, empowering families to navigate challenges and build a more secure future for themselves and their children.
To qualify for assistance, households must apply through their local Vincentian Conference, which is managed by highly trained volunteers. These Vincentians undergo extensive preparation to handle a wide range of situations with compassion and professionalism. Vincentians must attend the Ozanam Orientation initially and then avail themselves of formation activities that include interviewing techniques, community resources, and financial literacy, to name a few.
When a request for aid is received, the process begins with a home visit to evaluate the household's financial stability beyond the grant award. These visits provide valuable insights into the family's living conditions and ensure that they can sustain their household after receiving assistance. During the visit, Vincentians assess the situation and often go beyond financial aid by offering clothing, furniture, spiritual guidance, and emotional support. For example, if a single-parent household needs help with rent or a utility bill, Vincentians might also identify additional needs, such as beds, furniture, winter coats and clothes and provide these essentials to restore dignity, respect, and a sense of home pride.
For the SMART Program, applications undergo a rigorous vetting process: initial review by the local Vincentian Conference, further evaluation by District Officers who may request additional information, and final approval by the Diocesan Council staff. Once approved, funds are disbursed directly to the vendor on the account that is in arrears.
Those we assist are not treated as statistics--they are our neighbors. Vincentian Conferences operate within parish boundaries across Long Island, ensuring help is tailored to the specific communities they serve.
PROJECTED OUTCOMES
Enhanced Stability and Quality of Life
We believe in the strength of community. Working together creates a ripple effect of change that extends beyond individuals to neighborhoods and entire communities. Your generosity can be the start of that ripple. You can be part of the solution, helping people not just survive but thrive.
• For Families: By alleviating financial strain, families can redirect their energy toward planning for a brighter future, free from the constant pressure of emergencies.
• For Children: A stable and secure home environment supports emotional well-being, improves academic performance, and enhances their overall quality of life.
• For Parents: With reduced anxiety and financial stress, parents can focus more on their work, family responsibilities, and personal growth, creating a healthier household dynamic.
Ultimately, these outcomes result in a stable home environment for families and children. We know that a stable home environment has profound and far-reaching effects on children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Stability provides a foundation for growth, learning, and well-being. Here are some key insights into the effects of a stable home on children:
1. Emotional and Mental Health
• Reduced Anxiety and Stress: A stable home minimizes uncertainties, allowing children to feel safe and secure, which reduces stress and anxiety levels.
• Improved Self-Esteem: Consistent care and emotional support foster confidence and a positive self-image in children.
• Emotional Regulation: Stability helps children develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with challenges and emotional ups and downs.
2. Academic Achievement
• Better Focus and Engagement: Children from stable homes are more likely to concentrate in school and participate in learning activities.
• Higher Academic Performance: Consistent routines and support at home contribute to better grades and higher graduation rates.
• Reduced Absenteeism: Stability in housing and finances leads to regular school attendance, a key factor in academic success.
3. Physical Health
• Consistent Access to Nutrition and Healthcare: Stable homes ensure that children have access to healthy meals and routine medical care, promoting overall well-being.
• Lower Risk of Developmental Delays: Stability reduces exposure to chronic stress, which is linked to physical and cognitive development issues.
4. Behavioral Outcomes
• Fewer Behavioral Issues: Children with stable living conditions exhibit fewer behavioral problems, including aggression and defiance.
• Better Social Skills: Stability fosters consistent interactions with peers and adults, helping children develop positive relationships.
5. Long-Term Impacts
• Economic Mobility: A stable home provides children with a foundation for future success, including better job prospects and financial independence.
• Cycle of Stability: Children raised in stable environments are more likely to create stable homes for their own families.

Key Factors Contributing to a Stable Home
• Consistent Routines: Daily structure provides predictability and comfort for children.
• Strong Relationships: Positive interactions with caregivers build trust and emotional resilience.
• Financial Security: Financial stability reduces the stress of meeting basic needs and allows families to focus on long-term goals.
• Safe Environment: A secure physical space reduces exposure to violence, neglect, or other stressors.
The stability of a home environment is a critical determinant of a child’s present well-being and future success. Programs and policies that support housing security, financial stability, and family cohesion play a vital role in creating these environments.
"The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children." –
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Support for an Underserved Demographic
The program specifically addresses the needs of single-parent households—a rapidly growing yet often overlooked population. By connecting these families to vital resources through SVDPLI, the initiative ensures they receive the targeted assistance they need to thrive.
As evidenced by the attached spreadsheets, the percentage of families living at or below poverty level on Long Island is staggering, especially in Suffolk County. Towns like Mastic Beach, Northport, Huntington Station and Central Islip have near 10% or more of it’s population at or below the poverty level.
• Many areas have single-parent households at over 20% of the population. The federal poverty threshold in 2023 was $30,900 for a family of two adults and two children. (Newsday)
• However, given Long Island's high cost of living, many single-parent families earning above this threshold still struggle to meet basic needs. (Newsday)
These statistics highlight the economic hardships faced by single-parent households on Long Island, underscoring the need for targeted support and resources to assist these families in achieving financial stability.

Prevention of Financial Crises
Addressing urgent needs such as rent arrears or utility bills helps families avoid cascading challenges like eviction, homelessness, or job loss.
By intervening early, the program prevents short-term issues from developing into long-term crises, fostering sustainable stability.

Strengthened Communities Through Empowerment
A "Hand-Up" Approach: Beyond providing immediate relief, the program empowers recipients with tools and resources to regain control over their lives and move toward self-sufficiency.
At its core, the phrase “giving a hand-up” reflects the difference between temporary relief and sustainable, long-term support. Offering a “hand-up” means we help people regain their dignity, and independence. We work with individuals to identify sustainable solutions, empowering them to rise above their challenges.