It has been an exceptionally busy period for Tara Taylor, founding executive director of Single Mom Strong, in between juggling pies with fellow volunteers for pickup on a Saturday morning to looking toward expansion plans in 2026.

Single Mom Strong received recent recognition for the third consecutive year by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce for its EmpowerME Preschool and Child Care programs and was recently named “Provider of the Year” by nonprofit Child Action, Inc. of Sacramento.

In its recognition, Child Action, Inc. representatives said that "EmpowerME Preschool & Child Care reflects the very best of childcare: inclusive, affordable and transformative."

Said Taylor, “I’m very touched and surprised that we were honored. It wasn’t something I really expected.”

“We’re also looking to open additional locations, including one in South Sacramento and another in Del Paso Heights in 2026,” Taylor said. “We’ve also planned to start another Single Mom Strong chapter to start in the greater Los Angeles region.”

In 2024, the Empowerment Center by Single Mom Strong provided 15,500 hours of childcare for school age children, a 60-percent increase over the previous year. Seventy-six children also attended affordable preschool or infant/toddler care, the center reported.

The exterior of Single Mom Strong in Citrus Heights featuring banner awards on display. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

A tally of proceeds of this year’s pot pie fundraiser isn’t yet available, Taylor said. Funds will be used to support the Single Mom Strong Career Advancement programs for single mothers, and the EmpowerME Pre-School and Childcare programs throughout the coming year.

The annual holiday Adopt-a-Family program welcomes the public to donate through the Single Mom Strong website to help families have a brighter holiday.

“We know the holidays can be tough when you’re doing it all on your own, so we want to help make this season a little brighter for you and your family,” Taylor said.

“If you’re a single mom in the greater Sacramento or greater Los Angeles area who could use some support this year, please register for our Holiday Adopt-a-Family program through Nov. 10,” she said. “The need is greater than ever. We’re counting on the generosity of the community to help in any way they can.”

While Single Mom Strong cannot help every family in need, the nonprofit organization expects to “adopt at least 70 families in 2025,” Taylor said. Adopted families typically receive a holiday meal, a gift for mom and multiple items of "need" and "want" for each child.

Single Mom Strong will also host a career exploration workshop produced in collaboration with The Acceleration Project (TAP) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Single Mom Strong Empowerment Center for those who want to learn more about entrepreneurship.

“If you’re a small business owner, in an entrepreneurial role or dreaming of starting your own business, beginning your journey or already building your brand, I encourage you to register for this workshop,” Taylor said.

To register for the Single Family Strong annual “Adopt a Family” program, visit https://www.singlemomstrong.org/holiday-adopt-a-family

Single Mom Strong’s mission is to empower single mothers and their children through enrichment, encouragement and educational programs.

The Empowerment Center by Single Mom Strong, and the EmpowerME Preschool & Childcare are located at 7525 Auburn Blvd., Suite 5, Citrus Heights. To learn more information about its programs, call 916-735-5350 or visit online at singlemomstrong.org.