TRADING problems, good times and experiences are all part of the Single Mothers Support Group at the North Shore YM-
CA, sponsored by North Shore Family Services. Above, some members experiment with techniques to deal with tension.

BECOMING INDEPENDENT
Single moms share struggles

BEING A SINGLE mother is like being a
business executive without any of the power,

glory or financial rewards.

With the demands and
responsibilities of nurturing
children, holding down a job
and maintaining a
household, the single mother
must skilfully manage her
time, money and energy just
to survive.

Yet most single mothers

North Shore and attends
Capilano College, where she
takes a word-processing
course in hope of reentering
the work force.

SUPPORTING SELF

ing diapers, dentist ap-
pointments and band prac-
tice,"" said Elaine. ‘‘You
have to make a point of get-
ting out now and again.”’

The single mothers group
meets at the YMCA, 440
Hendry Avenue, North
Vancouver, 6:30 to 8:30

every Friday night, 988-5281.

Bring
your:
lettuce

PAGE 43

41 - Sunday, January 26, 1986 - N.

"NEWS photo lan Smith

enter this period of their:
lives without the training or’
support afforded the average She supports herself on
business executive. welfare and a bursary from
the college.
4,000 SINGLES Elaine says the group
helped her make the break
Through the Single from her husband. It is a
Mothers Support Group, break she would have made
North Shore Family Services anyway but without the
Society is trying to assist and = group the struggle = might
support some of the 4,000 have been too much.

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North Shore single mothers
in getting started on the road
10 success.

The support group meets
every Friday evening — with
babysitting service provided
— to discuss the trials and
joys of going it on your
own,

One such mother is Elaine
(who asked that her real
name not be used). She has
been a regular member of
the support group since be-
fore she split up with her
husband.

With her 15-month-old
Christina (also not her real
name), Elaine lives on the

“*Single mothers still
aren’t always accepted into
the community,’’ Elaine
said. ‘‘There is often
pressure to return to the
husband. They often
flounder.”’

The Single Mothers Sup-
port Group has helped
Elaine learn independence.

Members discuss moncy
problems, child discipline,
budget stretching, sex,
dating, divorce proceedings
and how to have fun. The
group brings in speakers,
with expertise.

“You have to remind
yourself life is not all chang-

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