Single Moms Circle
The Single Moms Circle is an opportunity for moms who are solo parenting to come together in community, feel less alone on this journey, and give and receive compassionate support amongst your peers. It is a space for moms who used donors to conceive, adopted, are divorced or widowed, or in any other way came into single motherhood. We'll process our experiences of motherhood: how our brains, identities, and lives have shifted, and how we navigate being single moms in a world of mostly two-parent families.
There are so many wonderful parts of single motherhood: the absolute joys of our relationships with our child(ren) and the beauty of watching them develop and grow. Not to mention the sense of empowerment. As solo moms we are without a doubt bad-ass women showing up for our children with immense courage.
Yet, like any parent, there are challenges too. Single moms experience the regular challenges of being a parent as well as ones unique to us: often carrying the financial burdens of raising a family on just one income, balancing work and motherhood, navigating child support and custody if divorced, and experiencing grief for a different life that you may have envisioned for yourself.
In navigating any or all of these aspects of our lives as parents, single moms can feel alone. Though we may have wonderful friends, family, and community, we can experience loneliness in the challenges, burdens, and even joys, of this life. Whether or not you have a strong community, sometimes you may still be longing for a deeper connection with other women who understand first hand what it’s like to be a single mom.
There are so many wonderful parts of single motherhood: the absolute joys of our relationships with our child(ren) and the beauty of watching them develop and grow. Not to mention the sense of empowerment. As solo moms we are without a doubt bad-ass women showing up for our children with immense courage.
Yet, like any parent, there are challenges too. Single moms experience the regular challenges of being a parent as well as ones unique to us: often carrying the financial burdens of raising a family on just one income, balancing work and motherhood, navigating child support and custody if divorced, and experiencing grief for a different life that you may have envisioned for yourself.
In navigating any or all of these aspects of our lives as parents, single moms can feel alone. Though we may have wonderful friends, family, and community, we can experience loneliness in the challenges, burdens, and even joys, of this life. Whether or not you have a strong community, sometimes you may still be longing for a deeper connection with other women who understand first hand what it’s like to be a single mom.
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We’ll talk about this life as Single Moms, and all that goes with it:
This is a space to support each other and to share:
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In addition to community, this group is a chance to make space for yourself. We will start off each group with a mindfulness meditation focused on meeting ourselves where we are. We’ll ground and reset by tuning into our senses and whatever is showing up in our bodies.
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Meet MelanieMelanie Eisner LCSW-C, LICSW has worked as a therapist for the past 15 years. She runs a private teletherapy practice for adults based in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Melanie integrates mindfulness and the values it teaches – compassion, curiosity, and presence – into her work.
Melanie is a Single Mom by Choice. She is passionate about exploring and studying the many aspects of what it means to be a mom and a single mom in our society. |
Single Moms Circles:
Late Winter Circle
Dates: Mondays February 3 - March 17 (no meeting February 17)
Time: 12:30-1:30pm
Facilitator: Melanie Eisner
Cost: We offer a sliding scale where you can choose the registration rate that best aligns with your circumstances:
Standard Rate — $250— Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $225 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $275 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the circle at the reduced rate is a challenge or you would like to set-up a payment plan please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
Dates: Mondays February 3 - March 17 (no meeting February 17)
Time: 12:30-1:30pm
Facilitator: Melanie Eisner
Cost: We offer a sliding scale where you can choose the registration rate that best aligns with your circumstances:
Standard Rate — $250— Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $225 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $275 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the circle at the reduced rate is a challenge or you would like to set-up a payment plan please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
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Location:
Circles are held in-person in Silver Spring, MD near the Sligo Avenue Neighborhood Park. Meetings will be in an indoor playroom with a high quality air purifier. The exact address will be sent to participants upon registration. Participants may also attend virtually. There is ample free street parking. We are about 1 mile from both the Silver Spring and Takoma metro stations and there are also busses from each of the stations that stop a block away (the 16 bus from Silver Spring and the 14 bus from Takoma). |
Pre-crawling babies are welcome but we do not have the space or childcare available for older babies, toddlers or children so they should be with another caregiver during the circle.
We strive to host circles that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all parents, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
If you are interested in the Single Moms Circle but are not able to join for this series, please select "future circle" and include what timing that would work best for you. If there is sufficient interest, additional circles may be formed.
We strive to host circles that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all parents, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
If you are interested in the Single Moms Circle but are not able to join for this series, please select "future circle" and include what timing that would work best for you. If there is sufficient interest, additional circles may be formed.
Single Moms Circle FAQ
Who can join?
We welcome ALL moms who identify as single moms and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. Whether you identify as a single mom by choice, are divorced or widowed, or came to single motherhood another way, you are welcome.
How many people will be in my circle?
Each circle will have between 3-8 parents who identify as single moms.
Where do we meet?
This circle will meet in person in Silver Spring with an option to attend virtually via zoom if you cannot make it in-person.
Can I bring my child(ren)?
Pre-crawling babies are welcome. We ask that you have another caregiver for older child(ren) during the circle so that you can focus fully and connect with other moms more deeply (and get a break from caregiving!).
What do we talk about during the sessions?
Our weekly meetings will start out with a mindfulness meditation guided by Melanie. Then we will talk about our experiences as single moms and what we need support with. Topics may include: balancing the various parts of our identities – career, motherhood, and ourselves as individuals, how to cultivate a support system and tap into community, desiring partnership, how to be more gentle and compassionate with ourselves, and more.
What makes the Single Moms Circle different from other parent groups?
This is a place to connect with other moms who understand what it’s like to parent as a single mom.
Why should I join?
Solo parenting can be exhausting and often lonely. By sharing our experiences, and finding places of connection in our feelings and challenges, we can feel less alone in what we carry. This group is an opportunity to give and receive compassion and support, and cultivate deep connections in a non-judgmental, safe space.
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
We don't have drop-ins - each week we get to know each other a little better and share the details of our lives and it's not conducive to have parents just come for a session or two. The positive part of this is when everyone commits to the group it creates a really wonderful and supportive place to return to.
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
Due to the session/cohort model there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the circle receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
Can I give the Single Moms Circle as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
Have another question? Please contact us.
We welcome ALL moms who identify as single moms and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. Whether you identify as a single mom by choice, are divorced or widowed, or came to single motherhood another way, you are welcome.
How many people will be in my circle?
Each circle will have between 3-8 parents who identify as single moms.
Where do we meet?
This circle will meet in person in Silver Spring with an option to attend virtually via zoom if you cannot make it in-person.
Can I bring my child(ren)?
Pre-crawling babies are welcome. We ask that you have another caregiver for older child(ren) during the circle so that you can focus fully and connect with other moms more deeply (and get a break from caregiving!).
What do we talk about during the sessions?
Our weekly meetings will start out with a mindfulness meditation guided by Melanie. Then we will talk about our experiences as single moms and what we need support with. Topics may include: balancing the various parts of our identities – career, motherhood, and ourselves as individuals, how to cultivate a support system and tap into community, desiring partnership, how to be more gentle and compassionate with ourselves, and more.
What makes the Single Moms Circle different from other parent groups?
This is a place to connect with other moms who understand what it’s like to parent as a single mom.
Why should I join?
Solo parenting can be exhausting and often lonely. By sharing our experiences, and finding places of connection in our feelings and challenges, we can feel less alone in what we carry. This group is an opportunity to give and receive compassion and support, and cultivate deep connections in a non-judgmental, safe space.
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
We don't have drop-ins - each week we get to know each other a little better and share the details of our lives and it's not conducive to have parents just come for a session or two. The positive part of this is when everyone commits to the group it creates a really wonderful and supportive place to return to.
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
Due to the session/cohort model there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the circle receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
Can I give the Single Moms Circle as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
Have another question? Please contact us.