Our Story-Mission
The Inspiration…
HOPE for Single Moms began with a simple realization–when a single mom gains stability, her children’s future changes!
Founder Dr. Carla Ludwig saw firsthand the challenges single mother’s face while pursuing a college education and raising a child or children when one of her daughter’s became a single mom. Most striking was seeing the isolation and loneliness of being a single mom. She was inspired to remove those barriers that keep single mom families stuck in survival mode and provide a community of support by launching HOPE for Single Moms.
Since 2016, HSM has invested over $1 million into single mom families in West Michigan with the generosity of donors, sponsors and partners like you.
Carla & John Ludwig
Pathways to Stability
HOPE for Single Moms supports single mom families through two primary pathways to economic stability— supported with mentoring and community.
Education Pathway
COLLEGE & TRADES
Helping single moms complete Master’s, Bachelor’s and Associates degrees and Trade certifications.
- GRCC Freshman & Sophomore years
- Apply and transfer to a University
- Trades 6-9 month programs
Workforce Pathway
HOPE WORKFORCE INSTITUTE
Short-term workforce readiness.
- 2-3 month core program
- 1-2 month occupational pathways
- 2026: Cleaning for Hope
- 2027+: healthcare occupations, marketing
Community Support
- Mentoring
- Life assistance teams
- May: Mother’s Day event
- August: Back-to-School drive & Stock the Pantry
- November: Thanksgiving food baskets
- December: Secret Santa
Our Impact
Through the generosity of community partners, HOPE for Single Moms has:
Invested over $1 million in local families
Helped mothers complete degrees and certifications
Children do better in school–better attendance, focus and grades
- Helped families have family time