Nearly 20 economically impacted single mothers and their children spent the weekend at the Mommy and Me Camping Trip at Camp Emerald Bay in Catalina Island, presented by Single Moms Planet, the national non-profit organization that assists struggling single mothers.
“We are very grateful to all of our single moms and supporters for making this event a complete success,” said Neferteri Plessy founder and CEO of Single Moms Planet. “We are very thankful for the Boy Scouts of America for their amazing support. It was three days of exciting activities for the children and great quality time for them with their moms as well as for the moms to join together, share stories and bond with one another.”
Hosted by Single Moms Planet and sponsored by the Boys Scouts of America, Western Los Angeles, County Council, the Mommy and Me Camping Trip which was held from July 26 to 28, featured sailing, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, campfire stories and more as part of the organization’s summer activities program for single mothers and their families.
Among those who attended was Shamaiah Manriquez, a young single mom who came to Los Angeles with her young son and suddenly found herself homeless when her abusive husband left. But thanks to Single Moms Planet, its volunteers and others, she was able to get back on her feet and ultimately find an apartment and is currently attending college, studying fashion and design.
“This camping trip was everything my children and I wanted it to be with so many amazing activities and the many wonderful children and their moms having a great time,” Manriquez said. “I am very thankful to Single Moms Planet!”
Lisa Betancourt, a single mom who also brought her two children to the event, echoed the sentiment, saying: “There is nothing more that I love to see than the faces of my children smiling and sharing a good time and for me to see that all weekend was truly wonderful. I am very grateful to Single Moms Planet for allowing us to be a part of it.”
As a TV host, actress and model who herself had struggled to find balance and financial security for her children after her divorce, Neferteri Plessy established Single Moms Planet in 2013 with business partner Cole Patterson in order to assist other struggling single mothers. The two women went on to create Cole Skincare for Men which donates a portion of its proceeds to Single Moms Planet’s many programs such as job training, parenting classes, housing assistance, counseling, childcare assistance, medical referrals, special events and more.
Single Moms Planet is online at www.SingleMomsPanet.org.
