We are thrilled to share with you the story of how our ministry to single mothers, known as PRISM (Promoting Restoration in Single Mothers), began and how it continues to reach single moms daily. At City of Life, we believe in reaching out to the vulnerable, and we recognize the unique challenges faced by single mothers in our community.
Ministering to single moms is not just a program for us; it's a calling deeply rooted in our faith in Christ. When City of Life’s senior pastors Jeffrey and Amy Smith took the lead position in 2009, they thought deeply about how City of Life could meet specific needs in the community. At the time, one in three children in Osceola County were from single-parent families, and the area was still reeling from the economic crash a few years earlier. Pastor Amy was raised by a single mother and had personal insight into the challenges these families face. They embraced the call to reach the single moms and ever since, we’ve been a place where single mothers can find hope and help.
As the Psalmist writes in Psalm 68:5, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." We experience God as a Father, and through PRISM, we strive to embody His love and care by coming alongside single mothers and their children. We know that God's heart is close to those facing difficult circumstances, and we are determined to be the hands and feet of His compassion.
Our mission with PRISM is clear: to offer support, prayer, encouragement, practical assistance, and, above all, love to single mothers in Osceola County. We recognize the incredible strength and resilience of these women as they juggle their responsibilities and provide for their families. Still, we understand that they need a strong support system to lean on, and that's where PRISM comes in.
Throughout the year, we organize a series of unique events that are designed to bless single moms and their children, making sure they feel valued and cherished. These events are open not just to City of Life members, but to single moms in the wider community as well. We believe in spreading love and hope to all who need it.
One of our most anticipated events is the Backpack Giveaway. As the new school year approaches, we provide bookbags filled with essential school supplies to the children of single mothers. We want to ensure that these kids have all the tools they need to thrive academically, and we hope that this small gesture alleviates some of the financial burdens faced by their hardworking mothers.
During the holiday season, our Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway brings warmth and joy to families led by single mothers. We provide not only a Thanksgiving basket full of groceries but also a turkey, so they can enjoy a delicious meal together as they give thanks for the blessings in their lives. It's a time for togetherness and gratitude, and we are humbled to be a part of so many families’ Thanksgiving tables.
As Christmas approaches, our Angel Tree initiative brings smiles and excitement to the faces of children. Church families purchase Christmas gifts for the children of single mothers, making sure they experience the joy and magic of the holiday season, just like any other child. Our hope is that these gifts will serve as a reminder that they are loved and cherished.
Beyond these events, PRISM offers ongoing support and encouragement through Sunday church services, children’s and youth ministry events for the children of single moms, small groups, and connecting single mothers with resources that can help them navigate life's challenges. Our goal is to foster a sense of community and belonging, so no single mom feels alone on her journey.
At City of Life, we are committed to seeing restoration and transformation in the lives of single mothers and their families. We firmly believe that through faith, love, and compassion, we can make a lasting impact on their lives and help them discover the strength within themselves.
As we continue to serve the single mothers of Osceola County through PRISM, we invite you to join us in prayer, support, and participation. Together, let's be a beacon of hope in the lives of those who need it most, and let's promote restoration, one life at a time. To give towards PRISM, you can send a text message with the word PRISM, space, and a dollar amount (example: PRISM 100) to 855-997-6900. You can also visit col.tv/give and select PRISM from the drop-down menu.
And if you are a single mom with school-age children looking to connect with City of Life and our PRISM program, we invite you to subscribe to our mailing list so that you can be the first to hear when registration opens for our Back to School and Holiday programs.
Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to witnessing the amazing stories of transformation and love that PRISM will undoubtedly bring in the days ahead.
