In Arizona, where one in four families are led by single mothers and nearly half of new moms skip critical postpartum checkups due to barriers like childcare, transportation, and cost, two local nonprofits are rewriting the narrative. Mother’s Grace and Hope Women’s Center have joined forces to help women move from crisis to confidence, and from survival to resilience.
Founded by Michelle Moore, Mother’s Grace was built on immediacy and compassion. When a mother faces an acute crisis (whether medical, financial, or emotional) the organization responds with swift, tangible relief. Hope Women’s Center, led by CEO Tammy Abernethy, complements that mission with long-term care. Abernethy describes their model as “a long walk beside women who often feel utterly alone.”
“This partnership represents the best of what can happen when two missions align,” Abernethy said. “Mother’s Grace meets moms in the middle of their storms, and Hope Women’s Center helps them step into the calm after through mentoring, education, counseling, and community. Together, we ensure no mother has to walk this journey alone.”
The collaboration includes direct grants for mothers entering Hope’s programs, joint wrap-around services such as job training and counseling, and a December holiday celebration that will bring 25 women and volunteers together for a catered meal, gifts, and pampering. The women will also access Hope’s Christmas Boutique, where they can “shop” for their children’s gifts using points earned through the program.
The need for this partnership is urgent. Last year, Hope Women’s Center served more than 2,200 women and teen girls - its highest number in 40 years. Mother’s Grace, meanwhile, has supported over 3,000 families globally through partnerships in 20 states and across three continents, while keeping 85 percent of its resources focused on Arizona families.
For women like Shaunti, who found stability after crisis, the partnership has been life-changing. “I don’t know where I would be without this support,” she said. “Mother’s Grace carried me through when I was broken, and Hope Women’s Center is teaching me how to stand tall again.”
Moore sees this collaboration as the next step in her organization’s mission. “We have always stepped in during the darkest moments,” she said. “By partnering with Hope Women’s Center, we can now help ensure those moments become the foundation for lifelong transformation. This is the difference between surviving and truly thriving.”
That spirit of empowerment extends into the community this month. On November 20 from 4 to 6 p.m., Veronica Beard at Scottsdale Quarter will host a VB Gives Back shopping event to benefit Mother’s Grace. Guests will enjoy wine, champagne, raffles, and exclusive shopping, with 15 percent of proceeds donated to the nonprofit. For more information or to get involved, visit mothers-grace.org.
