Being a parent, at the best of times, is challenging. But being a single parent? Well, that’s some next level stuff right there. Juggling the needs of your children without a partner can be downright overwhelming. Add to that singlehanded control of house repairs, finances, shopping, academic and emotional support, as well as your own self-care, and you might find yourself walking a daily tightrope of stress, anxiety and, yes, even fear. Single parents sometimes just want to know that we are not alone.
County Health Rankings, a national organization that uses surveys to evaluate nationwide family trends, reports that as many as 64% of children in Richmond City live in a single parent household. Surrounding counties like Chesterfield and Goochland report lower numbers, but with national averages hovering around 30%, single parenting is not as uncommon as we might think.
Whether you’re a single parent part-time or full-time, by choice or by circumstance, the fact is that you probably need all of the help you can get. At Richmond Mom, we already have a number of resources that you’ll find helpful as a single parent, including our Guide to Free (or Almost Free) Summer Activities in Richmond, our Preschool and Childcare Guide, and our list of Drop-In Child Care Resource in Richmond.
But as single parents, you have even more specific needs – from finances and money-saving resources to support groups and mentoring opportunities. The following resources are intended to help alleviate some of the stresses, financial and otherwise, that plague all parents, but that can seem that much more overwhelming when you’re on your own.
Quick Links:
Consignment and Thrift Stores
Finances
Grocery Shopping
Housecleaning
Household Furniture and Goods
Mentoring
Scholarships for Single Parent Families
Support for Single Parents
Tutoring
Consignment & Thrift Stores
If you’re lucky, you’ll have a network of family and friends with whom you can share clothing, kids’ toys, baby gear and much more. But, if that’s not the case, or you just need some help filling out the families’ wardrobes, there are still plenty of ways that you can get gently used items for much less than their original sale price. Consignment stores allow you to take in your gently used items and earn a percentage of their resale, but they also give you the chance to shop for like-new clothes, sporting goods, baby supplies and more at a significant discount. Here are some of the top-rated consignment shops in the Richmond area:
Women’s and Men’s Clothing and Accessories
Ashby
Find constantly updated selections of gently used women’s and men’s clothes from top brand names. As the sister store to the popular Clementine Consignment, Ashby’s offer an upscale, boutique experience, but at a fraction of the cost. In addition to previously-owned clothes, shoes and accessories, you can find locally-made jewelry, accessories and gifts, as well.
Contact:
3010 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 377-3010
Clementine
As we just mentioned above, Clementine is the sister store to Ashby. Also located in Carytown, this is the shop that started it all. Featuring a wide selection of secondhand women’s fashions, accessories, shoes and more, Clementine keeps you dressed in high fashion for a low price.
Contact:
3118 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 358-2357
Kathi’s Kloset
Kathi’s specializes in plus-size consignment clothing for women. They offer a wide range of clothing and accessories.
Contact:
1551 N Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 282-1312
Upscale Resale Boutique
Just as the name implies, Upscale Retail Boutique offers a classy collection of high quality clothing, jewelry, shoes and handbags. They offer prices that are 50% to 80% off retail in a friendly, relaxed environment.
Contact:
12010 Southshore Pointe Drive
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 608-1875
Yesterday’s Heroes
With both new and used vintage clothing for men and women, you can find fun, eclectic fashions at incredible prices. Not only does Yesterday’s Heroes find their own items for resale, but they purchase used items from clients, as well.
Contact:
105 S Addison Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 204-1313
Children’s Clothing, Accessories and Gear
Clover
Clover offers top quality new and used children’s items in brand names that will allow you to splurge for special occasions, without breaking the bank. They specialize in leading brands like Lilly Pulitzer, Baby/Mini Boden, Vineyard Vines, Janie and Jack, LL Bean, Shrimp & Grits, and many others, but at greatly reduced prices. You can consign, shop or even find cloth diapers and supplies for rent or sale.
Contact:
3024 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA, 23221
(804) 355-3517
Elephants and Giraffes Children’s Boutique (& Consignment, Too!)
For quality kids’ clothing at great prices, Elephants and Giraffes offers both new and used children’s clothing, shoes and accessories, many with designer labels. While definitely a higher-end consignment shop (which means you’ll also earn more items you consign), you can still find great bargains, incredible discounts and sales throughout the year. Visit them on Facebook to see their latest inventory and specials.
Contact:
8901 Three Chopt Rd Suite A-1
Richmond, VA 23229
(804)859-5909
Kid to Kid
With a popular Midlothian location and another store in Short Pump, Kid to Kid offers an incredible selection of high quality, gently-used clothing, shoes, games, toys, accessories, strollers, Pack n’ Plays, bouncy seats, and so much more. Get everything your need for your babies and your big kids, all at incredible discounts.
Contact:
Midlothian
4537 Commonwealth Centre Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 763-0708
Short Pump
11740 W. Broad Street, Suite 105
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 290-0441
Mom2Mom Resale Boutique
With everything you need “from the belly to the big kids,” Mom2Mom offers a one-stop shop for maternity clothes, baby gear, nursery necessities and baby furniture, as well as kids’ clothing, shoes, toys, books and more. From strollers to specialty items, you’ll find like-new items at great prices that get even better during their many sales, including seasonal clearance sales, “fill a bag” sales, special events and more. Be sure to visit them on Facebook to see the latest specials and catch one of their frequent discount deals.
Contact:
49 W. Williamsburg Rd
Sandston, Virginia 23150
(804) 737-2195
Once Upon a Child
With three locations in the Greater Richmond area, Once Upon A Child provides clothing, accessories, shoes, games, toys and more for infants, toddlers and big kids. Find gently-used and like-new items at a fraction of their original prices, or bring in your own outgrown children’s and baby’s items for consignment.
Contact:
West End
9127 W Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23294
(804) 346-5552
www.onceuponachildrichmondwestend.com
North Chesterfield
9770 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
(804) 272-2229
www.onceuponachildrichmondsouthside.com
Colonial Heights
52 Southgate Square
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 526-1333
www.onceuponachildcolonialheights.com
Finances
Read any article on single parenting and, guaranteed, finances will come up…most likely more than once. Experts stress the importance of monthly budgeting and estate planning, especially for single parent homes. But financial planners, tax preparation services and lawyers cost money that we don’t always have—or want—to spend. Fortunately, there are a number of free and low-cost resources that can make these tasks easier and more affordable.
Fiscal Tiger’s Financial Resources for Single Parents
Walking you through every aspect of single parenthood, Fiscal Tiger’s Financial Resources for Single Parents offers everything from resources about general financial assistance, how to manage your bills and debt, finding childcare and healthcare, mental health resources, discipline strategies, and educational resources to help you prosper as a single parent.
Mint
This free, online budgeting tool can be used on your computer or smartphone. Simply enter basic financial information and Mint automatically tracks your spending in preset or customized categories. Best of all, because it’s powered by Intuit, Mint transfers data directly to Turbo Tax (a low-cost DIY tax service) for easier tax preparation.
Virginia Credit Union: Free Seminars and Workshops
From advice on how to build a budget to teaching your teen about money, Virginia Credit Union provides expert advice at no cost to you. Check here to see upcoming events in your area.
Pennyborn.com
Designed to help you with easy, affordable estate planning, Pennyborn.com offer free forms, advice, checklists and planning worksheets. Find everything you need to plan matters like wills and trusts, living wills, life insurance, financial planning and much more.
Law Depot
Find free legal forms, contracts and documents for wills and trusts, financial transactions and more. With all forms available for download, Law Depot makes challenging tasks just a little bit easier by putting many of the resources you need at your fingertips.
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
With the IRS VITA program, qualified families can receive free tax help and preparation from certified tax specialists in Virginia.
Grocery Shopping
Most days, I’m convinced my children think that food magically appears in the pantry. They don’t see the money, time or effort that goes into keeping staples in the fridge, snacks on the shelves and dinner on the table. When you have active, growing kids in the house, grocery shopping can put a strain on both your schedule and your wallet. The following resources provide everything from low-cost shopping options to at-home or pick-up delivery services that make grocery shopping one less stress in your busy life.
Online Grocery Services
When after-work hours are filled with sports, errands, meal prep and other activities, finding time to shop is a challenge. Thankfully, a number of local grocery stores and food services offer online ordering with free in-store pick-up or home delivery for a fee. Here are a few options in the Richmond area:
Door to Door Organics
Formerly Relay Foods, Door to Door Organics features healthy, responsibly (and often, locally) sourced foods that can be ordered online, then delivered directly to your door. Delivery is a low flat rate of $5 – or free for orders over $75.
Contact:
(888) 2-VEGGIE
team@doortodoororganics.com
Kroger
With Kroger’s ClickList program, you can shop at select Kroger stores for more than 40,000 grocery items, including fresh meat, produce and dairy items, then set a time and location for pick-up. ClickList is currently available at five Richmond area stores, including West Cary Street in Richmond, Tim Price Highway in North Chesterfield, Atlee Road in Mechanicsville, Staples Mill Road in Henrico and Polo Parkway in Midlothian.
Contact: Find the participating ClickList Kroger nearest you.
WalMart
Like Kroger, select WalMart stores in the Richmond area allow you to do your grocery shopping online then select a pick-up time and location.
Contact: Click here to find your local Walmart.
Target
For most of us, Target is that place we go to grab two small items and end up leaving with two large carts. Now you can avoid the many temptations of Target while still getting your grocery and household shopping done. With an easy search option that allows you to browse items by “buy online pick and up today,” “shipping” or “in store,” you can choose the method that best suits your needs. And with more than 400 items available for discount subscription service, you can have your favorite staples automatically shipped right to your door for less.
Contact: Online ordering and free in store pick-up is available at the following Target locations:
Forest Hill
7107 Forest Hill Avenue
Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 330-7365
Richmond East
4521 South Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23231
(804) 836-1860
Virginia Center Commons
10100 Brood Road
Glen Allen, VA 23059
(804) 262-2390
Chester
2530 Weir Road
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 768-9974
Colonial Heights
721 Southpark Boulevard
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 520-0190
Amazon PrimeNow
The latest and greatest feature of Amazon, the site that taught us that we could shop for Christmas without ever leaving the house, PrimeNow provides FREE on-demand grocery delivery in as little as two hours – and best of all, it’s now available in Richmond. There is a $20 order minimum for free delivery and and you must have an Amazon Prime account. Prime memberships cost $99/year, but with all the perks, including free two-day shipping on many items, as well as PrimeNow delivery, it might just be worth the expense. Learn more here.
Discount Grocers
When groceries take up a large portion of your monthly budget, discounts, coupons and savings can go a long way. Of course, many major grocers like Kroger, Martin’s and Giant offer in-store discount programs and coupons. And, of course, there are well known chains like Walmart and Target, where you can find both discount groceries and household items. But there are also a number of grocery stores in the area that offer unique savings on every product, every day. Here are a few of the best discount grocers in the Richmond area:
Aldi
This international grocery chain has been offering high-quality products at great prices since 1946. They create savings by offering a wide range of exclusive labels that compare with many of the most popular national brands, but with as much as a 50% cost savings. With fresh meats and produce, bakery items, and more, Aldi makes saving easy.
Click here for Richmond Area Locations.
Fresh to Frozen Grocery Salvage
Don’t let the name throw you off. This innovative grocer in Chesterfield provides significant savings by collecting grocery items that are in the process of being sent back to a warehouse or have been liquidated by a manufacturer. These undamaged products may just be close to their “use by” date, might have a misplaced label, or perhaps were overstocked. By “salvaging” these items, Fresh to Frozen is able to offer incredibly low prices in their small, family-oriented store.
Contact:
7803 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
(804) 675-7283
Lidl
Like Aldi, Lidl is a European grocery chain that has brought their unique cost-savings to the United States – and just this month, they have opened four brand-new stores in the Greater Richmond Area. Nearly 90% of Lidl’s inventory is made up of their own private label products, many of which have been created by partnering with local and regional farms and suppliers. The end result is the best tasting products at the lowest prices. To increase your savings, Lidl also provides an assortment of household goods, small appliances, toys and even clothing – all with significant savings for you.
Click here to find Richmond area locations.
Save-A-Lot Food Stores
Save-A-Lot is a national grocery store chain that passes savings along to their customers by offering their own exclusive brands, as well as national brands that have been carefully selected based on popularity. In other words, they only offer the items customers want the most, avoiding wasteful overstocking. Likewise, Save-A-Lot stores provide a smaller footprint, which not only cuts down on their operating costs, but makes getting in and out faster and more efficient for you.
Click here to find Richmond area locations.
Housecleaning
In a one-income household, hiring a housecleaner is a luxury that many of us cannot afford. But many cleaning services offer one-time specials, occasional deep cleaning options or seasonal cleaning that can help relieve stress during those times when we feel like our house is running us instead of the other way around. Ask around to get recommendations or try one of these top-rated services in the Richmond area, most of whom are offering current and/or ongoing specials.
CottageCare
For many families, their cleaning needs can change from week to week or even day to day. CottageCare offers flexbility to meet any needs you might have. In addition, CottageCare uses eco-friendly cleaning products that are non-toxic and non-abrasive. To provide peace of mind to their customers, CottageCare also offers a “Clean-Sweep Guarantee” that will ensure you are satisfied.
Contact:
3030 Stony Point Road
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 272-1257
Maids 4 U
Maids 4 U provides everything from one-time cleaning to ongoing service. They even offer last-minute, same day cleaning, which might just save your sanity on the right day. Plus, they only use natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable cleaning products, which is nice to know for those of us who might have small children or pets in the house. Click here for their current specials.
Contact:
9909 Aldersmead Ct
North Chesterfield, VA 23236
(804) 320-MAID (6243)
The Maids of Richmond
From same day cleaning to one-time service to ongoing cleaning, The Maids will get your house in top order. They also provide environmentally conscious cleaning supplies, as well as vacuums with HEPA filters to help cut down on allergens. With service in Chesterfield, Glen Allen, Hanover, Henrico and Midlothian, you can now request a free online estimate and receive a $75 regular service voucher.
Contact:
7858 Forest Hill Avenue
Richmond, VA 23225
Free Estimate: (804) 214-7441
The Maid Crew
Get the help you need in no time with The Maid Crew’s easy, online estimates, contract-free services and fast scheduling. Best of all, they keep housecleaning affordable with discounts for recurring services and one-time cleanings. Check their current specials for the best deals.
Contact:
2018 N. Hamilton Street
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 644-6243
Two Maids & A Mop
This top-rated maid service provides a variety of cleaning “packages,” from one-time or occasional cleaning to ongoing service. Serving the entire Greater Richmond area – from the city to Ashland, Powhatan and more – Two Maids & A Mop ensure top-quality services with an incentivized “pay for performance” system where your satisfaction ranking determines your crew’s compensation. Call or visit them online for a free estimate.
Contact:
6740 Forest Hill Ave #103
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 320-0066
Household Furniture & Goods
Every household, two-parent or otherwise, is faced with the need for affordable furniture and household goods. From finding things to meet your basic needs to getting rid of old or outgrown things to make room for new items, it often feels like there’s never enough money, time or manpower to get it all done. Fortunately, Richmond offers a number of resources to make the task easier.
3rd Floor Store
This upscale consignment shop in the West End caters to eclectic furnishings and home décor, including traditional, contemporary, antique and shabby chic.
Contact:
1123 Gaskins Rd # 300 (in the Gaskins Place Shopping Center)
Richmond, VA 23238
(804) 740-3544
Consignment Connection
Featuring nine showrooms and 5,000 square feet of shopping space, Consignment Connection is a true shopping adventure. Find secondhand treasures for your home, or consign your own gently used furniture and décor.
Contact:
5517 Lakeside Avenue
Henrico, VA 23228
(804) 261-3600
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
The retail outlet of Habitat for Humanity, ReStore offers donated building and home improvement supplies, furniture, home décor and appliances at significantly reduced prices.
Contact:
Restore – Richmond
1901 Roane Street
Richmond, VA 23222
www.richmondhabitat.org
ReStore – Hanover
9159 Atlee Rd
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
www.Hanoverrestore.org
Re-Use Thrift and Consignment
Re-Use specializes in consigned vintage items, household goods and furniture. They offer a large selection of secondhand lamps, rugs, tables, bed frames, dressers and much more. Plus, if there’s an item you like (in their store or in your own home), they can “upcycle” it for you with a new coat of paint, antiquing or repurposing. Re-Use proceeds help to support the Bobcat Sports League and Youth Development.
Contact:
5047 Forest Hill Avenue
Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 432-3419
Revival Home Furnishing Consignment
Shop Revival’s elegantly decorated showrooms for high-quality consignment furniture, décor and more. Each of their items is specially curated to ensure quality, uniqueness and beauty, as well as value.
Contact:
9750 Gayton Road
Richmond, VA 23238
(804) 750-2200
Whispers of Time
This consignment store features a myriad unique items for the home, including furniture, vintage fashions, accessories, décor and more. Shop for yourself or bring in gently used items to consign.
Contact:
5512 Lakeside Avenue
Henrico, VA 23228
(804) 553-9602
Online Yard Sales and Swaps
In addition to sites like Craigslist.com, Richmond offers a number of opportunities to buy, sell, trade, barter or even find free household goods and furniture through online resources such as:
Richmond Bookoo
Richmond Online Yard Sale
RVA Varage Sale
Garage Sales By Map
Mentoring
As a single parent, you may not always have the time or resources your kids need. After all, there’s only so much you can do. Mentors give kids the extra attention they need in a safe and loving environment, often providing you with greater peace of mind. Here are a few programs that you might want to check out.
AMP! Metro Richmond
Operating out of Henderson Middle School in Richmond’s Northside neighborhood, AMP! provides middle school students with school-based mentoring to help create self-confidence encourage learning and assist with career discovery.
Contact:
Henderson Middle School (meeting location)
4319 Old Brook Road
Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 601-0639
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Richmond
For decades, the Big Brothers Big Sisters program has been pairing youth in the Richmond area with caring adults who serve as mentors, friends and much-needed support systems. These “bigs” spend a couple of hours a week – or a month – providing companionship and care for kids who need a little extra attention.
Contact:
Greater Richmond Headquarters
1707 Summit Ave, #200
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 261-4940
Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond
The Boys and Girls Club focuses on empowering today’s youth. With locations in the East End, Northside, Southside and Petersburg, Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond draws on decades of experience in providing kids the emotional, physical and intellectual support they need to succeed. See “Our Clubs” for locations.
Contact:
Main Office
5511 Staples Mill Road
Richmond, VA 23228
(804) 359-5250
Higher Achievement Richmond
Higher Achievement works with middle school students throughout the Richmond and Henrico County areas. They connect more than 300 students with afterschool programs, summer learning opportunities and caring mentors in order to help them achieve their highest goals.
Contact:
Richmond Main Office
4009 Fitzhugh Avenue, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 643-7753
info@higherachievement.org
Click here to see Richmond area Achievement Center locations.
Outreach Involvement Center
Located on Hull Street in Richmond, Outreach Involvement Center works with youth between the ages of 7 and 20 to provide programs that help to build intellect, character, and interpersonal skills.
Contact:
Central Office
1618 Hull Street
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 303-1496
Transforming Today’s Youth (T.T.Y.)
Designed for children between the ages of 13 and 18, T.T.Y. is an education-focused program that uses mentoring as a means of inspiring, educating and grooming kids from all walks of life for future success. With an emphasis on intellectual and emotional well-being, T.T.Y. offers college prep, financial aid process assistance and mentoring.
Contact:
3204 Maryland Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
(804) 729-2899
Repairs & Maintenance
From small repairs to plumbing emergencies, knowing where to find the best, most affordable services can be daunting. But the following list provides a number of local companies that are known for reputable work, timely service and affordable pricing.
Handyman Services
From small repairs to major renovations, household repairs can be daunting. If you don’t have the time, tools or know-how to get the job done yourself, these helpful handymen can step in to get your projects and repairs done quickly and affordably.
Case Remodeling and Handyman Services
No job is too big or too small – from complete room or home makeovers to seasonal maintenance. Case serves Chester and the tri-cities areas, offering free in-home estimates and an industry leading two-year warranty on their work.
Contact:
3601 West Hundred Rd, Suite 10
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 318-5334
casechester@gmail.com
HHH Handyman Services
This local, family-owned operation is committed to providing customer satisfaction and affordable pricing. With a satisfaction guarantee, flexible billing and industry references, HHH Handyman Services offer everything from complete bathroom remodels to odd jobs around the house.
Contact:
1910 Pump Road
Richmond, VA 23238
(804) 386-9007
Mr. Fix-It
Mr. Fix-it has been serving the Richmond area for nearly 50 years, earning the Better Business Bureau’s prestigious Torch Award for Marketplace Integrity along the way. With skilled craftsmen available for nearly every type of home repair, they specialize in kitchen, bath, gutter, roofing and window repair, as well as handyman projects of every shape and size.
Contact:
10189 Maple Leaf Court
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 393-9927 or toll-free at 1- (800) 816-9140
Mr. Handyman of Richmond
This locally owned franchise offers one-stop solutions for home maintenance and repair needs in Chesterfield, Glen Allen, Highland Springs, Midlothian, Richmond and Sandston. All of their handymen are insured professionals with an average of 10 years’ experience. Backed by the “Done Right Guarantee,” you can have peace of mind that your job, big or small, will be done right the first time.
Contact:
4196B Innslake Drive
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 372-3084
General Home Repair and Service Recommendations
If you’re not sure where to start in your search for household help, it can be good to have some companies on your speed dial that have already been vetted. Fortunately, there are several services that collect reviews from other customers and make suggestions based on your needs. Here are some sources to help you find local businesses recommendations:
Angie’s List
This well-known online service provides crowd-sourced reviews of local businesses. In the past, Angie’s List was available only through paid subscription. However, for the first time in twenty years, Angie’s List offers a FREE membership plan. Visit Angie’s List to find out about local services ranging from household and auto repairs to health and wellness.
Done.com
With simple pricing and online booking, Done.com eliminates the need to call around for household repair services. Hire a handyman in your area for a few hours at one low price, or get fast quotes for services like plumbing, oil changes or appliance installs.
Scholarships for Single Parent Families
Paying for college assistance can seem like one of the greatest challenge of all for single parent households. Fortunately, there are groups that can help, so that neither your children won’t have to put school on the back burner.
PurposeBound Parents – Scholarships
PurposeBound Parents in North Chesterfield exists to bring hope and direction to single parent families. They offer resources, training, scholarships, and more for single parents in high school, college, and beyond. They offer a variety of scholarship programs to help dedicated parents further their education. Learn about their scholarships here: https://www.purposeboundparents.org/stories-of-hope-scholarship
Contact:
purposeboundparents@live.com
(804) 263-0926
Teens Without 2
This local program provides college scholarship opportunities for teens from single parent households. The organization was started by Katie Mitchell (a VCU grad) to provide hope to kids and parents coming from single parent households that otherwise might not even consider college.
Contact:
www.teenswithout2.webs.com
teenswithout2@gmail.com
Support for Single Parents
Too often, we forget about ourselves in the midst of trying to meet our children’s many needs. What we often fail to realize is that the stronger we are, the better our children will be. Finding like-minded people who not only understand what we’re going through, but can also help with support, advice and compassion, is essential to surviving the many rigors of parenthood, single or otherwise.
Here are a few of the Richmond area groups that are designed to provide that extra support we all need:
Co-Parenting with Thriveworks
These four-hour parenting classes help to minimize the damage that parents can unintentionally inflict on their children during and after a divorce. The seminar teaches skills necessary to make child-focused decisions, both now and in the years to come.
Contact:
Thriveworks Chesterfield
9846 Lori Road, #201
Chesterfield, Virginia 23832
(804) 413-6312
DivorceCare Support Groups
This national organization supports those going through and recovering from divorce with seminars and workshops that teach healing and hope. DivorceCare currently offers groups in Midlothian and Mechanicsville. Click here to find a group near you.
Many DivorceCare groups also sponsor DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) groups that help kids ages 5-12 work through the hurt of divorce with videos, music, games, crafts and activities.
Contact:
Click here for locations in Midlothian and Mechanicsville.
Divorce Recovery at Richmond’s First Baptist Church
Divorce Recovery provides support for those going through a divorce, a major breakup or a separation with an eight-week Divorce Recovery Workshop in the fall, followed by support groups and special events throughout the year. Join others for education, support, and encouragement with opportunities to build new community and create new and meaningful friendships. There are programs for adults, teens and children. Child care is available for younger children.
Contact:
Richmond’s First Baptist Church
2709 Monument Avenue
Richmond, VA 23220
Call (804) 358-5458 ext. 118 or email mcintosh@fbcrichmond.org
Divorce Recovery Support at The Refocus Center
The Divorce Recovery Support group teaches you how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for the future. The group uses the five stages of loss to identify and explore areas of negativity and in doing so, discover the road to positive thinking.
Contact:
Marilyn Hembrick
The Refocus Center
7459 Old Hickory Drive, Suite 105
Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111
(804) 793-9386
Fresh Start for Single Mothers and Their Children
Fresh Start for Single Mothers and Their Children is a unique faith-based 8+ week program designed to provide an environment of positive support for single mothers and their children. The program offers encouragement, education, inspiration, growth, and hope for daily living, both now and in the future. Click here for upcoming events and programs.
Contact:
3300 Church Road
Richmond, VA 23233
info@whatsnextfreststart.org
Mothers and More, Southside Richmond
This group focuses on you – as a mother and a woman – in all the different stages of your life. The community–based chapters and virtual networks help you focus on your identity, make meaningful connections with others, and support you as you face motherhood’s challenges. They welcome all mothers!
Contact:
Call Heather at (804) 639-8125 or email mamchap102@yahoo.com.
PurposeBound Parents
PurposeBound Parents in North Chesterfield exists with a mission to improve the lives of single parent households by providing hope, resources, and a career pathway solution so families can become self-sustaining and thrive. They offer resources, training, scholarships, and more for single parents in high school, college, and beyond.
Contact:
purposeboundparents@live.com
(804) 263-0926
Richmond Working Moms of Elementary School Age Children
Are you a Richmond working mom looking for evening and weekend play dates for your elementary school aged child(ren)? Monthly Mom’s Night Outs? Annual Family Events? Do you want to connect with other working moms in the Richmond area? This group provides activities, socialization and fun for families – especially moms who can’t make day time play groups.
Contact:
Visit www.meetup.com/Richmond-Working-Moms/ to sign up for news and events.
Single, Separated & Divorced Socializing & Support Group
If you are single, separated or divorced, friends can help when you’re lonely or in need. This Richmond area group gathers for fun events, welcoming those who are new to the area, those who might be going through a difficult time, or just those who are looking for fun, new friends.
Contact:
Visit www.meetup.com/Single-Separated-Divorced-Community-Socializing/ to sign up for news and events.
Single Super Dads
As the name implies, this group includes men who are actively involved in their kids’ lives despite being divorced or unmarried. Their outings include adult options, as well as family friendly jaunts in the Richmond area.
Contact:
Visit www.meetup.com/Single-super-dads/ to sign up for news and events.
Thrive Outreach Network
This support group for single moms under the age of 40 provides life-help resources through social bonding, relevant workshops, counseling, study groups and faith-based life principle teachings. These and other relevant outlets, opportunities and resources help to meet young, unmarried mothers’ unique needs.
Contact:
13501 East Boundary Rd
2nd Floor
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 640-8961
Education and Tutoring
The time comes when, perhaps, we’ve maxed out our math skills or we just don’t have what it takes to help our kids prepare for the next level of academic success. While preschools and supplemental elementary, middle, and high school tutoring can be costly, there are many free or low-cost options available through local schools, libraries, and other resource centers. If you’re looking for some preschool or Pre-K options for younger kids, here’s a great resource to get you started:
The Complete List of Free and Low-Cost Preschool Education Resources for Low-Income Families
For tutoring services, be sure to check with your child’s teacher to find out about before and after school assistance, as well as tutoring programs they might know of in the area.
In the meantime, here are some top private tutoring services in the Richmond area:
Care.com
Although most commonly known for their childcare-matching services, Care.com also helps you find tutors. Visit them online to enter your specific needs, budget and schedule, then choose from an extensive list of private tutors in your area who meet your requirements.
Contact:
Care.comâ Tutors
College Nannies and Tutors
Richmond – Glen Allen Placement & Learning Center works with College Nannies and Tutors to provide one-on-one attention from trained tutors who are committed to your family’s success. Whether you need extra help with homework or specific school subjects, or you’re looking for an extra set of hands around the house, College Nannies and Tutors can help you achieve the results you’re looking you need.
Contact:
10825 W Broad Street
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 346-2242
glenallen@collegenannies.com
Tutor Doctor
Serving the Richmond, Midlothian and Mechanicsville areas, Tutor Doctor provides specialized support for academic needs. Beginning with an assessment, they will match you with the right in-home tutor and provide ongoing support to help your child reach their highest potential.
Contact:
(888) 718-8832
Varsity Tutors – Richmond
Varsity Tutors carefully screens and interviews all of their potential tutors to ensure that only the most qualified tutors are available to your family. Whether you need subject-specific help, test prep, homework help or have a child with special learning needs, Varsity tutors provides one-on-one in-home or online help – all backed by a money-back guarantee.
Contact:
(804) 767-3117
Being a single parent comes with many challenges, but many rewards, as well. Watching our kids not just grow, but thrive, creates a sense of pride and confidence that is hard to match. But as the well-known Nigerian proverb says, “it takes a whole village to raise a child.” If you find that, at times, your village is too small to meet the needs of you and your family, don’t be afraid to reach out and get the help you need.
Do you know of any other Richmond area single parenting resources? We would love to hear about them. Please email us at cs@richmondmom.com!
