My name is Samantha Harwood and I wanted to thank you for considering Mothers Flying Solo as an organization you are interested in learning more about. I am thirteen years old and am attending Middle School in California. I am very blessed to be living with my mom, my dad, and my brother in a warm and welcoming home. I am aware that not all families are as lucky as I am and this is why I decided to give back to others less fortunate. As my parents always say "the things you do in life will define who you are and giving back is very critical in this process". About six months ago I approached my mom and dad and told them my ideas and how I wanted to start a nonprofit organization helping single mothers and their children. Even though I haven't personally experienced living without my dad or being without a husband I feel great sorrow for those who are. Being a mother with no companion by your side must be very difficult since making a living that is healthy for you and your child does not come cheap or easy. I also feel for the children who don't have a fatherly influence in their lives.

Mothers Flying Solo is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving single mothers who are starting out on their own and experiencing financial debt with basic needs and necessities. It is our goal to help our first mother this year. We will be working with St. Anne's in Los Angeles next week to begin the process of choosing the mother and child we are going to help. This mother will be coming from St. Anne's Bogen Family Center. This is a two year transitional housing program that prepares mothers for starting a new chapter of their life. We have established an age requirement for the mother as eighteen to twenty-five years old and the child as a newborn to five years old. We plan to assist them with diapers, food, clothing, infant hygiene products, housewarming items, etc. We will interview each mother in depth to further determine her and her child's most urgent needs.

Some people I want to thank are my brother who has not only designed the Mothers Flying Solo website but also has designed the business cards, my parents who have supported me through the whole process and my family and friends who have made donations. One last thing I am looking forward to is starting a Mothers Flying Solo club at Crescenta Valley High school next year with my brother and my cousins. If you have any further questions I would be more than happy to answer them. Thank you again for being interested in Mothers Flying Solo.