The Single Moms’ Social Club: Cultivating Community
I didn’t grow up dreaming of marriage and kids; my childhood was shaped by a strong single mother who did the best she could with what she had. Fast forward to today, and you know how the story goes: you meet a boy, fall in love, get married, and before you know it, you’re navigating the complexities of life as a pregnant single mom amid a pandemic.
Hi! I’m Vanessa Adams, founder of The Single Moms’ Social Club (TSMC) and proud mom to two beautiful daughters (4 and 8 years old). I hail from Virginia Beach, am an Old Dominion University alumna, and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated. As a “Black Woman in Logistics” with professional certifications in HR management and Paralegal Studies, my mission is clear: to create the best life possible for my girls and ensure everyone I meet feels loved, seen, and supported. When I am not working 8 to 5 and wrangling my gremlins (what I call my girls), you can find me reading a good book with a glass of wine in hand.
When I started this journey of motherhood, I never imagined I’d be doing it alone, especially not during a global crisis. While I’m lucky to have supportive friends and family, experience has taught me that life is far more manageable when you walk alongside others on similar paths—like other single mamas. That realization sparked an idea that I believe was a divine revelation: creating a space for single mothers to connect. I may have started without a roadmap, but I followed my calling, and now, over a year and a half later, our community is thriving.
I co-run The Single Moms’ Social Club with my amazing friends Toy Parrish (my left hand), Litesah Wilson (my big sister in spirit), and the unstoppable Candis Hassell (my fly girl). Together, we’ve transformed a group of strangers into a vibrant community of single mothers who uplift, encourage, and hold each other accountable. Whenever a mom is in need, we rally together - like the Avengers assembling - and provide the support and resources that help us all thrive.
In shaping our mission, I was determined to change the narrative surrounding single motherhood. Yes, this life can be incredibly challenging, but it doesn’t mean every single mom has to live in struggle. Our events are low or no-cost for our members, and we support each other’s businesses, offering discounts on services like tutoring and hair care. We recognize that not every single mom qualifies for government assistance, so we strive to fill that gap. Above all, we prioritize fun and connection, embodying the social club spirit!
TSMC has been life-changing for me. The women in this community have become my extended family as I am a full-time solo parent and raise my kids primarily on my own. They show up for me and my kids in ways I never imagined, often before I even have to ask. They lift me up on my toughest days and remind me that I’m doing a great job, even when I don’t feel like it. I have the most fun with my mom friends, and when our kids act like, well, kids, there’s no need for embarrassment - we’re all in this together!
No matter your story, I encourage everyone to find their community; it’s essential for mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. We weren’t meant to navigate life alone. Our journeys may be individual, but we can walk hand in hand, creating a better human experience for all. My ultimate goal is to see The Single Moms’ Social Club become an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With this designation, we can secure funding to support not only single mothers in need but also other organizations dedicated to helping those in the Hampton Roads area.
